The extent that health professionals suspect and address addiction to medicines in primary care: Findings from a survey in Northwest England. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bates, Geoff; Cochrane, Madeleine; Mackridge, Adam John
• Is Part Of: Journal of addictive diseases. Volume 36:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Substance related disorders -- prescription drug misuse -- non-prescription drugs -- general practitioners -- pharmacists; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2017.1299895
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0887

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Addiction to medicines available over the counter or via prescription is of growing international concern. The authors of the current article ran an online survey of health professionals in general medical practice and community pharmacy settings in Northwest England to explore the frequency of suspecting and responding to addiction to medicines. Health professionals reported frequently identifying addiction to medicines among patients including those with long-term pain, mental health problems, sleep disorders, and other substance use disorders, but that these addictions often go unchallenged. This adds to the evidence indicating the under-diagnosis of addiction to medicines in the United Kingdom. Strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment should recognize the diversity of individuals with addiction to medicines.