Many people take opioid painkillers to relieve the pain associated with a wide range of underlying conditions.

Contact OPDA

Please note that the OPDA does not operate a helpline service. Go to our Getting Help page.

For general enquiries admin@smmgp.org.uk

For media enquiries ONLY - Harry Shapiro 07712529936 or harrys@drugwise.org.uk

Growing problem of addiction to prescription drugs - "landmark" review

MP Steve Brine, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has announced a review of the "growing problem" of prescription drug addiction. The review, which will take a year, will cover sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines and z-drugs (zolpidem and zopiclone); painkillers called opioids, pregabalin and gabapentin (the latter two are also used to treat epilepsy) and antidepressants