Pharmacists Can Help Prevent Substance Use Disorders Linked to Inappropriate Prescribing
Clinical Pharmacy • Public Health • Patient Safety
Pharmacists have an important role in preventing substance use disorders associated with inappropriate prescribing and unsafe medicine use.
Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and play an important role in promoting safe and appropriate medicine use. A recent policy message from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) highlights the contribution pharmacists can make in preventing substance use disorders associated with inappropriate prescribing and medicine use.
The issue is particularly relevant to medicines that may cause dependence or other problems when they are used inappropriately or for prolonged periods. These include certain opioids, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and other psychoactive medicines.
Why Pharmacists Matter
Pharmacists routinely review prescriptions, dispense medicines and counsel patients. This places them in a valuable position to identify potential medication-related risks and support safer treatment.
Prescription Review
Identify potentially inappropriate prescribing and medicine combinations.
Risk Identification
Recognize possible patterns of misuse, dependence or diversion.
Patient Counseling
Explain safe medicine use, risks, adherence and when to seek help.
Referral & Support
Refer patients to appropriate healthcare professionals when necessary.
Particular Concern With Dependence-Forming Medicines
Some medicines can cause physical dependence or other substance-related problems, particularly when they are used for prolonged periods or outside their intended therapeutic purpose.
Require careful consideration because of their potential for dependence, misuse and overdose.
Prolonged use may be associated with dependence and withdrawal problems.
These medicines may also present dependence-related risks in some patients.
Identifying Misuse and Diversion
Pharmacists can help identify unusual patterns of medicine use, including potential misuse or diversion. Prescription-monitoring and electronic prescribing systems, where available, can help healthcare professionals identify patterns that warrant further assessment.
- Repeated requests for medicines earlier than expected.
- Multiple prescriptions or prescriptions without a clear clinical explanation.
- Potentially inappropriate combinations of medicines.
- Increasing use of dependence-forming medicines.
- Requests that do not appear consistent with the patient's treatment plan.
A Collaborative Approach Is Essential
Preventing substance use disorders is not the responsibility of a single healthcare profession. Pharmacists can work alongside physicians, nurses, mental-health professionals and addiction-treatment services to provide coordinated patient care.
Recognizing the relationship between mental health and substance use can also help healthcare professionals provide appropriate support rather than focusing only on the medicine involved.
Patient Education and Harm Reduction
Patient counseling is an important contribution pharmacists can make. Patients should understand how their medicines should be taken, possible adverse effects, and the risks associated with changing doses without professional advice.
Where permitted by local regulations and healthcare systems, pharmacists may also contribute to harm-reduction strategies, including access to naloxone, an opioid antagonist used in the management of opioid overdose.
🎓 What This Means for Pharmacy Students
This topic demonstrates how the pharmacist's role extends beyond dispensing medicines. Modern pharmacy practice increasingly involves clinical assessment, medication review, patient counseling, monitoring, and inter-professional collaboration.
Key Takeaway
Pharmacists are strategically positioned to help prevent substance use disorders associated with inappropriate prescribing and medicine use. Through prescription review, patient education, early risk identification, monitoring, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, pharmacists can contribute to safer medication use and better patient outcomes.
📌 Source
This educational news report is based on a recent report published by the Independent Pharmacist concerning the role of pharmacists in preventing substance use disorders associated with inappropriate prescribing and medicine use.
Published: September 2026
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional clinical guidance.
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