title: Pharmacy practice in a chemical-dependency treatment center.
abstract: The role of a pharmacist in a chemical-dependency treatment center is described. A pharmacist joined the staff of an outpatient methadone maintenance and chemical-dependency clinic at the request of the clinic's medical staff. In addition to the standard dispensing role, the pharmacist provides drug information, counsels staff and patients, and serves as the medical clinic coordinator. The pharmacist is also responsible for taking medical and drug-use histories, initially evaluating the degree of chemical dependency, assisting in the development of drug therapy plans for chemically dependent patients, and monitoring the effect of prescribed regimens. Other duties include serving as a health educator within the community and as a preceptor for baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy students during substance abuse clerkships, and consulting on the management of chemically dependent patients who are hospitalized for other illnesses or specific conditions. The pharmacist's knowledge of pharmacotherapy and drug products and skill in assessing and managing problems related to substance abuse allowed physicians and nurses more time for other patient-care activities and helped the behavioral counselors develop a better understanding of the pharmacologic aspects involved in the health care of chemically dependent patients. The inclusion of a pharmacist in the chemical-dependency health-care team in this outpatient setting was accepted, valued, and recommended by the rest of the clinic staff.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7595.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ives
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Stults
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010595:Pharmacists; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008691:Methadone