APPG for Prescribed Drug Dependence reforms for the 2019 parliament

The APPG for Prescribed Drug Dependence has been reformed for the 2019 Parliament with Danny Kruger MP as Chair, Lord Crisp as Co-Chair, and the Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry (CEP-UK) providing the secretariat. The minutes from the inaugural meeting are available under the ‘Minutes’ tab.

The group will continue to focus on recognizing, addressing, and reducing the harm caused by prescribed drug dependence. In line with the recommendations of the 2019 Public Health England (PHE) report, the APPG advocates for the urgent establishment of a 24-hour helpline and website, as well as new local services dedicated to supporting individuals dependent on prescribed medications.

The APPG welcomes the opportunity to engage with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) as a key stakeholder representing patient interests. The APPG has held several productive meetings with NHSEI leaders, who are evaluating how to commission services and implement operational recommendations. Members of the APPG secretariat are contributing to this process, incorporating feedback from existing withdrawal services, relevant academics, and individuals with lived experience of prescribed drug dependence.