Through a glass darkly: can we improve clarity about mechanism and aims of medications in drug and alcohol treatments?
From Journal of Psychopharmacology
This paper offers clarity and structure on confusing drug and alcohol addiction terminology for prescribers, users and regulators. It suggests that a better understanding of current treatments’ modes of action and targets would aid understanding in the addiction field. This should be coupled with clarity as to exactly which patient groups or symptom stages each treatment works upon. The authors discuss the differing uses of terms such as addiction and dependence, and outline the three main treatment avenues for addiction or dependence on drugs or alcohol.
