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Drug Abuse, Prescription

Moez K Sumar, BSc., M.D, Ned Nasr, MD, FASA and Rishi Gaiha, M.D. Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

Controlled substances are prone to misuse and diversion. Cautious prescribing should be considered in all cases and monitoring all patients prescribed controlled substances to identify substanc...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Initial screening: “How many times in the past year have you used an illegal drug or used a prescription medication for nonmedical reasons?”; primary care setting sensitivity of 100% and spe...

TREATMENT

The general approach to treatment includes inpatient, residential, or outpatient detoxification as required; counseling and intensive counseling as needed; and ongoing medication-assisted tr...

ONGOING CARE

Treatment with MAT should continue for as long as the patient benefits from it. 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Expert opinion suggests high frequency visits (such as weekly) when a patient begi...

REFERENCES

1
Onwuchekwa Uba R, Ankoma-Darko K, Park SK. International comparison of mitigation strategies for addressing opioid misuse: a systematic review. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020;60(1):195–204.
...

SEE ALSO

CODES

ICD10

  • F19.10 Other psychoactive substance abuse, uncomplicated

  • F11.10 Opioid abuse, uncomplicated

  • F15.10 Other stimulant abuse, uncomplicated

  • F13.10 Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic abuse, uncomplic...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Addiction is a treatable chronic disease.

  • Most licensed physicians and nurse practitioners may now provide MAT with buprenorphine without the requirement of special certification.

  • Conduc...

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