Prescription drug addicts’ helpline

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a 24-hour helpline to be introduced for patients who are addicted to prescription drugs.

The group believes it could help tackle problems created when strong tranquillisers prescribed for short-term use, to treat issues such as anxiety and insomnia, are issued for longer periods. Dr Andrew Green of the BMA described dependence on the drugs as a “widespread problem”.