Help combat the abuse of prescription drugs in our community.

Diversion occurs in a variety of ways. Its abuse is often overlooked by the thinking that if a doctor prescribes the drug, and a pharmacist dispenses the medication, it can’t be abused. Trying to understand that the top prescription drugs of abuse are every bit as addictive, abused and valuable as illicit drugs is sometimes difficult to comprehend.

Most pharmaceuticals abused are diverted by doctor shopping, forged prescriptions and theft. To reduce the occurrence of pharmaceutical diversion by doctor shopping and prescription fraud, almost all provinces have established prescription monitoring programs that facilitate the collection, analysis, and reporting of information regarding pharmaceutical drug prescriptions.

Controlled prescription drug classes which are commonly diverted include:

•    Benzodiazepines – diazepam, temazepam, clonazepam, sedatives

•    Opioids – fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and codeine

•    Stimulants – amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil – prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy

•    Prescription sleep medications- including zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

It’s up to all of us to take action against medicine abuse. The best place to start is within your own home by ensuring that you’re aware of the medication in your home as well as by talking with your kids and family about the dangers of medicine abuse.