Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management

These guidelines are for clinicians and other healthcare professionals treating people with drug problems. It is often called the ‘orange book’. 

The guidelines cover:

• essential elements of treatment provision
• psychosocial components of treatment
• pharmacological interventions
• the criminal justice system
• health considerations
• specific treatment situations and populations

The guidelines also emphasise recovery and the interventions that can support recovery. 

Clinical guidance on harmful drinking and alcohol dependence treatment is available in the Clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.