Guidance
Recommendations for research
Recommendations for research
The guideline committee has made the following recommendations for research.
Key recommendations for research
1 Multicomponent withdrawal interventions
What are the key components of an effective multicomponent intervention to support dose reduction during withdrawal of opioids?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
2 Psychological interventions to support withdrawal
What are the most effective psychological interventions to support withdrawal and help people cope with withdrawal symptoms?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
3 Service models for withdrawal interventions
What service models are most effective in supporting withdrawal from medicines associated with dependence and withdrawal symptoms?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
4 Individual circumstances and the risk of dependence
Do individual circumstances such as social distress, low income or limited access to alternative sources of support lead to an increased risk of problems associated with dependence on prescribed medicines?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on making decisions about prescribing and taking a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review E: risk factors.
5 Information for family members or carers
What information and support are needed by family members or carers of people having treatment with an opioid, benzodiazepine, Z‑drug, antidepressant or gabapentinoid?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on starting a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review A: patient information and support.
Other recommendations for research
6 System-level factors and the risk of dependence
Do system-level factors, such as training received by prescribers alter the risk of developing problems associated with dependence on prescribed medicines?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on making decisions about prescribing and taking a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review E: risk factors.
7 Converting to a medicine with a different half‑life to aid withdrawal
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of converting to medicines with a longer half‑life to aid withdrawal from benzodiazepines or antidepressants?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
8 Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to support withdrawal from benzodiazepines
What is the most effective model of CBT, including timing of CBT, to support withdrawal from benzodiazepines?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
9 Acupuncture to support withdrawal from opioids
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of acupuncture (including electroacupuncture) as an adjunct to aid withdrawal from opioids?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
10 Withdrawal interventions for gabapentinoids
What are the most clinically and cost-effective strategies or interventions to aid withdrawal of gabapentinoids?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.
11 Aids to support withdrawal
What is the effectiveness of equipment, technologies, practical aids and medicine formulations in supporting people to manage dose reductions, compared with usual practice?
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: safe withdrawal.