['Pharmacologic interventions in drug addiction': an advisory report from the Health Council of the Netherlands].

Addiction is a relapsing brain disease with a tendency towards chronicity. Biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors play a role in the onset and course of this disease. The Health Council of the Netherlands has issued a report on pharmacotherapeutic interventions. The treatment of addiction should be regarded as a medical intervention. A growing number of effective pharmacotherapies are becoming available for the treatment of heroin addiction, although not all of those are available in the Netherlands. Currently, no effective pharmacotherapies are available for the treatment of cocaine addiction. In polydrug addicts, pharmacotherapeutic interventions should be directed at the various separate addictions. In the majority of cases pharmacotherapy is part of an integrated treatment approach in which supportive psychosocial interventions are also important. The long-term continuation of treatment is usually indicated. The Health Council recommends that addiction physicians be put in charge of the multidisciplinary treatment. Medical schools should pay attention to the practical aspects of the treatment and management of addicts. The organisation and workforce of addiction treatment services should comply with the demands that are placed upon healthcare services. Public information campaigns about addiction and the treatment options for addicts can contribute to the destigmatisation of this patient category.