W.H.O presents-

Health Notes

Tranquillising

Drug Dangers

THE very rapidly increasing use of drugs described as tranquillisers has become a cause for concern in a number of countries, and ex perts of the World Health Organ isation (WHO) believe that these drugs must be classed as potenti ally habit-forming.

The warning appears in the latest report of the WHO Committee on Addiction Producing Drugs.

Because they can produce habitu ation, and, under conditions of ex cessive use, a characteristic with drawal symptom, tranquillisers re semble the barbiturates and should be subjected to national control, according to the WHO experts. Their continuing clinical use should be followed very closely for an eventual

evaluation of their relation to public safety.

As regards barbiturates, the Com mittee noted that their consumption continues to increase and that the situation is not improving. Barbitu rates are habit-forming, and in some circumstances can produce drug addiction dangerous to public health.

The experts believe that measures to control barbiturates at the national level are sufficient at the present time, but need close atten tion and in some instances definite strengthening.

It is thought that all drugs which are used therapeutically for a tranquillising effect, to promote sleep or relieve anxiety, may be habit forming. Some drugs which are used for a central stimulating or exhilarating effect may also be habit-forming. With both types the essential factor presumably is im provement in the sense of well-being.

Habituation with these agents is not primarily or essentially an abuse, except that it may lead to unduly prolonged or excessive administra tion not related to symptomatic re lief. Such excessive administration may result in physical dependence and development of a true addiction.