Substance abuse issues in oral and maxillofacial practice.
Substance abuse has far-reaching consequences for individuals, their families, and the community. Medications with abuse potential play an important role in the management of pain and are widely prescribed by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Reducing the likelihood of abuse and providing appropriate pain management for the known abuser are critical aspects of perioperative patient management. Health care providers are not immune to substance abuse and may, in fact, be at an elevated risk. Identification of impaired providers is essential to help them find the appropriate treatment and counseling and to prevent harm to their patients, family, friends, or associates.
St Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA. bobdefl@aol.com
Robert J
RJ
DeFalco
Michael
M
Erlichman
Sharang
S
Tickoo
Steven D
SD
Passik
D003657:Decision Making; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011363:Professional Impairment / Q000523:psychology*; D012201:Reward; D012308:Risk Management; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000941:ethics