The extent that health professionals suspect and address addiction to medicines in primary care: Findings from a survey in Northwest England.
Addiction to medicines available over the counter or via prescription is of growing international concern. The authors of the current article ran an online survey of health professionals in general medical practice and community pharmacy settings in Northwest England to explore the frequency of suspecting and responding to addiction to medicines. Health professionals reported frequently identifying addiction to medicines among patients including those with long-term pain, mental health problems, sleep disorders, and other substance use disorders, but that these addictions often go unchallenged. This adds to the evidence indicating the under-diagnosis of addiction to medicines in the United Kingdom. Strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment should recognize the diversity of individuals with addiction to medicines.
a Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , United Kingdom.
Geoff
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6932-2372
G
Bates
a Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , United Kingdom.
Madeleine
M
Cochrane
b School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , United Kingdom.
Adam John
AJ
Mackridge
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004739:England; D058006:General Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D010595:Pharmacists; D063487:Prescription Drug Misuse; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D055553:Prescription Drugs
Substance related disorders; general practitioners; non-prescription drugs; pharmacists; prescription drug misuse