Pharmaceutical Students Taught to Identify Prescription Drug Addiction
Many universities and pharmaceutical colleges are instigating a system for pharmacy students that trains them how to recognize drug addiction. 75% of individuals who visit the doctor for any sort of ailment will leave with a prescription for drugs- drugs that can often be addicting. The only thing standing in the way of a patient getting that potentially addicting medication is often a pharmacist.
For these reasons, it is imperative that pharmacists recognize signs of addiction. A publication put out by Ohio Northern University lists some red flags for recognizing suspicious prescriptions. It indicates that the following are noteworthy:
- Prescriptions from a prescriber who writes significantly more prescriptions and in larger quantities than other prescribers in the area
- Patient presents a prescription for both a stimulant and a depressant at the same time
- Patient presents prescriptions bearing the names of other people
- Prescription handwriting is too legible
- Quantities, dosage or directions differ from typical prescribing guidelines
- Prescription does not contain abbreviations
- Prescription has multiple handwriting styles or ink colors
If a pharmacist is equipped to recognize and be familiar with these symptoms, they may be able to address the issue with the patient or the patient’s doctor and get some needed help before drug addiction develops or to treat ongoing drug addiction.
Source: Onu.edu