Patients, healthcare providers, the government, pharmaceutical companies and a variety of stakeholders can contribute to the prevention of<unk>  drug misuse and its subsequent<unk> . Regulations regarding drug<unk>  In<unk>  to existing controlled substance scheduling systems, mandatory prescriber registration, education and training, many governments launched various initiatives and regulations to minimize misuse of<unk>  drugs. For example, many healthcare providers are legally required to participate in local<unk> -drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to record patient drug use. Nationwide PDMPS are effective in reducing abuse and diversion of<unk>  medications, and promote safer prescribing practices for patients. PDMPs are effective against doctor shopping and incidents of over-prescription. Furthermore, different regions established specialized agencies to oversee drug<unk>  and its related regulations. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug<unk>  (EMCDDA) and the French public interest group OFDT were established in 1993 to provide information concerning drug<unk>  and consequences. Similarly, the US government founded the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) directed toward reducing drug misuse and overdose in 1974. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. Screening for<unk> <unk>  disorders affect 20 to 50 percent of hospitalized patients; therefore physicians must integrate basic screening questions into all histories and physical examinations. Some major evidence-based assessment tools include the<unk> s Neuroclinical Assessment, the National Institute on Drug Use Screening Tool, the CRAFFT 2.0 questionnaire, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). There are many programs to assist addictive individuals in achieving abstinence. In countries like Brazil, the US and India, addictive patients may be referred to 12-step programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Pills Anonymous. Optimize alternative treatments Safer, non-controlled and non-addictive medications serve as an alternative to controlled substances. For example, abuse-deterrent formulations (ADF) are drug formulations that lower a drug’s addictiveness and/or prevent misuse by snorting or injection. ADFs have shown to decrease the illicit value of drugs and effectively eradicate substance<unk> . Non-pharmacologic treatments with self-management strategies are highly recommended, such as behavioral treatments, relaxation techniques, physical therapy and psychotherapy. Ensuring drug compliance Pharmacists improve drug compliance by counselling patients on medication instructions, along with educating patients about potential side effects related to medications. Nevertheless, healthcare practitioners are responsible for recognizing problematic patterns in<unk>  drug use. They may also use<unk> -drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to track drug<unk>  and dispensing patterns in patients. Patient-wise, some organizations have suggested ways to use<unk>  drugs properly. For example, the NIDA guideline recommends patients to: * following the directions as explained on the label or by the pharmacist * being aware of potential interactions with other drugs as well as alcohol * never stopping or changing a dosing regimen without first discussing it with the doctor * never using another person’s<unk>  and never giving their<unk>  medications to others * storing<unk>  stimulants, sedatives, and opioids safely.<unk> ally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a guideline for proper disposal of unused or expired medications.
Prescription drug addiction
Tolerated illness
Mold health issues
Bullying in medicine
Responsible drug use
Suicide methods
Long-term effects of cannabis
Modesty in medical settings