Prescription drug abuse has become a significant national issue, with accessible pills being shared and sold for profit contributing to the problem. Students also misuse stimulants to enhance academic performance, risking dependency. More deaths are caused by prescription drug overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined. Pharmacists can play a role by verifying prescriptions if abuse is suspected, using judgment on handling situations, and broadening understanding of addiction.

1. Prescription Drug Abuse Gains Attention, by Maher Ishak, Woodbury Pharmacy
Oxycodone, Xanax, Ritalin, and Adderall are familiar examples of controlled substances
that doctors may prescribe. The medications serve a critical purpose for certain ailments,
but widespread abuse has become an important national issue. As an experienced
pharmacist and owner of Woodbury Pharmacy, I have familiarized myself with this
complex issue.
The heart of the problem lies with accessibility. People share their prescription pills with
their peers, and others make large profits by selling them. Drug abuse is not always
recreational, either. Students often take controlled substances as a boost to help them get
through exams, and this can segue into dependency. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, prescription drug abuse causes more deaths in the United States
than heroin and cocaine combined.
When it comes to finding solutions to this large-scale problem, pharmacies play an
important role. If abuse is suspected, pharmacists are encouraged to contact the
prescribing physician to verify that the script is legitimate. Pharmacists should stay aware
of how prescription drug abusers work the system, and they should use their best
judgment on how to handle each situation. Understanding the nature of drug addiction
and dependency also will broaden a pharmacist's ability to approach the problem.
About the author: Maher Ishak received a Bachelor's Degree from Cairo University. With
more than 25 years of pharmacy experience, he operates Woodbury Pharmacy in
Highland Mills, New York.