Connect to Fight RX Abuse
Why Is The Prescription Drug Problem A Physician's Problem?
Prescription drug problems poses legal, ethical, and practical implications for physician
Physicians have a legal and ethical responsibility to uphold the law and to help protect society from drug abuse.
Physicians have a professional responsibility to prescribe controlled substances appropriately, guarding against abuse while ensuring that patients have medication available when they need it.
Physicians have a personal responsibility to protect their practice from becoming an easy target for drug diversion by becoming aware of situations where drug diversion can occur and the safeguards that can prevent this diversion.
A gap exists between what physicians CAN do to protect their patients and practice and what they currently do.
Physicians are uniquely positioned to help prevent, identify, and address the prescription drug problem. However, physicians report few have received training in medical school or residency on how to effectively prevent, identify, and address substance abuse and addiction problems in their practice. The resources in the next sections can help.
