Drug Misuse Guidelines.pdf

Comments on the Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence Update 2016 include:
- The definition of 'clinician' is missing and should be included to describe someone with medical qualifications working in direct patient settings.
- A section on discrimination and stigma in the drug treatment sector should be added to address negative implications such as people avoiding services due to stigma.
- The guidelines have become unwieldy and read like a collective compromise rather than a 'best practice' document.
- The guidelines should consider the realities of the current treatment environment, including the use of Payment by Results (PbR) which can lead to an over focus on abstinence.
- The phrase 'recovery' is overused and should be defined more clearly to avoid being synonymous with abstinence.
- Language throughout the document is stigmatising and should be person-first and non-stigmatising.
- Red lines should be included, such as OST not being contingent on psychosocial interventions and drug testing not being a key component of contingency management.
- Specific changes are suggested to various sections, including 2.2.1 and 2.2.2, to clarify language and ensure patient-centered care.