Dr. Leshner says doctors, pharmacists, and patients can all play a role in preventing misuse of medications. Doctors should ensure that patients understand how to use prescribed medications and should also be alert to signs of patient drug abuse. Pharmacists can help by clearly instructing people on how to take medication and explaining side effects and potential drug interactions. They can also check for false or forged prescriptions. Patients should make sure they know how to use their medication, and should always talk to their doctor or pharmacist before increasing, decreasing, or stopping any medication.
"Attention must now be paid to the long neglected area of prescription drug abuse," said Joseph H. Autry III, M.D., acting administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "There is no typical abuser. Medical personnel must use every opportunity to screen and educate all of their patients."
As part of this effort, NIDA and its partners are releasing a research report that highlights the health consequences of prescription drug misuse and abuse.
In addition to the research report, NIDA is distributing 400,000 postcards with messages about the dangers of prescription drugs. The cards are available in restaurants, book stores, clubs, record stores, coffee shops, gyms, and other stores in several major cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Miami, and Mesa, Arizona, the largest retirement community in the United States. The cards are also being given out at college campus locations nationwide.
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Contact: Michelle Muth
mm488g@nih.gov
301-594-6141
NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
9-Apr-2001