Utilization of Pharmacists in Addressing Medication Abuse in the Pacific Northwest.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2017

Publication Title

J Pharm Pract

Keywords

Analgesics, Opioid; Chronic Pain; Databases, Factual; Drug Prescriptions; Humans; Northwestern United States; Opioid-Related Disorders; Oregon; Pharmacists; Professional Role; Substance Abuse Detection; Washington; chronic pain; opioids; pain management; prescription drug monitoring; substance abuse

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to explore the statistics observed in the Pacific Northwest regarding substance abuse, as Oregon and Washington have been shown to be most affected given the increased treatment admissions for opioid utilization and mortality related to medication overdose.

METHODS: Using PubMed and National Conference of State Legislatures database, articles detailing prescription drug abuse statistics, programs, and laws were collected and analyzed in order to identify possible solutions.

SUMMARY: Many studies report that pain medication prescriptions have seen a rise in recent years, however, there still exists an inadequacy in pain management. This increase in prescriptions may also contribute to the rising number in substance misuse and subsequently overdose deaths. Pharmacists can have a global effect on abuse prevention if certain monitoring strategies are implemented and enforced.

CONCLUSION: Health-care providers and pharmacists should contribute to abuse prevention by helping to detect fraudulent prescriptions, staying up to date with current guidelines, and being aware of new safety programs such as prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).

Clinical Institute

Mental Health

Department

Pharmacy

Department

Behavioral Health

Link to Full Text

PSJH Full Text

Share

COinS