Statistics suggest that clinicians are often unaware of the ultimate fate of the medications they prescribe, and may unwittingly fuel diversion and abuse, even when prescribing is well-intentioned.

Legitimate access to controlled substances is necessary for the health of patients in need of such treatment, but clinicians have a responsibility to minimize the potential for abuse and diversion. Unlikely patients could be a source of diversion, such as those with teenage family members who may take prescription medications from their medicine cabinets or purses, or patients who underestimate the dangers of sharing their medications with others. The prescriber/staff should be the first source of education for patients receiving controlled substance prescriptions so that patients understand their potential for diversion and abuse.

This activity will identify issues involving teen prescription medication diversion and abuse, and strategies for clinicians to reduce this risk.

Our expert faculty will describe the extent of teen prescription opioid abuse and diversion in the United States, followed by a student from a recovery high school* who will recount her experiences with prescription and other drug abuse through a personal interview.

The student will describe her trajectory of drug use to addiction, including why she began abusing prescription medication, availability/access, and drug(s) of choice.

The faculty will suggest strategies for clinicians to minimize diversion, while maintaining appropriate therapeutic access to prescription medications. These will include both patient education and tools to assist in prudent prescribing with comprehensive risk assessments, careful monitoring, and thoughtful drug selection in order to promote patient safety and limit illegitimate access to prescription medications.

* Recovery high schools are designed specifically for students who are recovering from abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

This activity was peer-reviewed for relevance, accuracy of content, and balance of presentation by the following:

Benjamin Chavez, PharmD, BCPP
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice & Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey

Carol Perret, RN, MS, COHN-S
Occupational Health Nurse Specialist, Clinical Research & Occupational Medicine, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute; Nurse Manager, Employee Health Services, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey

Iris G. Udasin, MD
Professor of Environmental & Occupational Medicine; Director, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute Clinical Center; Director, Employee Health Services, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey