Prescription Drug Misuse and Drug Diversion

Course overview

The number of people misusing prescription drugs, or dying from a drug overdose of prescription and illicit drugs in the United States has reached record highs in recent years. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff can help reduce this crisis by being aware of the behavioral and physical signs of drug addiction and drug misuse. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff need to also be aware of drug diversion and the steps they may take to detect drug diversion. While preventing drug diversion or drug misuse is important, it is also important to not underprescribe. Pharmacy staff must also understand how race and ethnicity affect decisions by healthcare providers when they prescribe and dispense opioids and pain medication.