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Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDF)
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
A PDMP is a tool that can be used to address prescription drug diversion and abuse. PDMPs serve multiple functions, including: patient care tool; drug epidemic early warning system; and drug diversion and insurance fraud investigative tool. They help prescribers avoid drug interactions and identify drug-seeking behaviors or “doctor shopping.” PDMPs can also be used by professional licensing boards to identify clinicians with patterns of inappropriate prescribing and dispensing, and to assist law enforcement in cases of controlled substance diversion.
At the same time, protecting patient privacy is of the utmost importance. PDMPs ensure protection of patient information just as well as, if not better than, any other medical record. Law enforcement may not access patient-specific PDMP data unless they have an active investigation, and healthcare providers can access only the PDMP data relevant to their patients.
See also: Response to the Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse (PDF)
2011 National Drug Control Strategy
2011 National Drug Control Strategy
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
Drug use affects every sector of society, straining our economy, our healthcare and criminal justice systems, and endangering the futures of our young people. The United States cannot afford to continue paying the devastating toll of illicit drug use and its consequences. In 2007, the most recent year for which data are available, the economic impact of illicit drug use on American society totaled more than $193 billion.
Building on the Obama Administration’s inaugural Strategy, released last year, the 2011 National Drug Control Strategy serves as the Nation’s blueprint for reducing drug use and its consequences. Continuing our collaborative, balanced, and science-based approach, the 2011 National Drug Control Strategy emphasizes drug prevention and early intervention programs in healthcare settings, diverting non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of jail, funding more scientific research on drug use, expanding access to substance abuse treatment, and supporting those in recovery.
Whether you are a parent looking for information, a community member interested in treatment resources, a police officer or local elected official searching for new approaches to drug-related crimes, or someone who wants to know more about the Administration’s drug policy, the National Drug Control Strategy serves as a useful resource.
Majority of Adult Males Arrested in 10 U.S. Cities Test Positive for Illegal Drugs At Time of Arrest
Majority of Adult Males Arrested in 10 U.S. Cities Test Positive for Illegal Drugs At Time of Arrest
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released the 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Annual Report (ADAM II). The 2010 report reveals that in the 10 participating cities/counties, more than half of adult males arrested for crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies tested positive for at least one drug. Positive test results ranged from 52 percent in Washington, DC, to 83 percent in Chicago, Illinois, illustrating the link between drug use and crime and highlighting the importance of Obama Administration drug policies designed to break the cycle of drug use, arrest, incarceration, release, and re-arrest.
Some key findings from the report:
- The percent of arrestees testing positive for any drug ranged from a low of 52 percent in Washington, DC, to a high of 83% in Chicago.
- Fewer adult male arrestees are testing positive for cocaine. Nine of ten sites showed a significant decrease in 2010, compared to 2007.
- Sacramento (33 percent) and Portland (20 percent) showed the highest rates of adult males testing positive for meth in 2010.
- An increasing number of arrestees are testing positive for marijuana in Charlotte, New York City, and Sacramento in 2010, compared to 2009.
- Four of ten cities surveyed (Charlotte, Indianapolis, Portland, and Sacramento) showed significant increases in the percentage of arrestees testing positive for opiates in 2010, compared to 2008, while Chicago dropped by nearly half over the same period. Two of these cities (Indianapolis and Portland) also showed significant increases in oxycodone/hydrocodone positive rates.
Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis
Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis (PDF)
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
This Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan expands upon the Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy and includes action in four major areas to reduce prescription drug abuse: education, moni toring, proper disposal, and enforcement. First, education is critical for the public and for healthcare providers to increase awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and about ways to appropriately dispense, store, and dispose of controlled substance medications. Second, enhance ment and increased utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs will help to identify “doctor shoppers” and detect therapeutic duplication and drug-drug interactions. Third, the development of consumer-friendly and environmentally-responsible prescription drug disposal programs may help to limit the diversion of drugs, as most non-medical users appear to be getting the drugs from family and friends. Fourth, it is important to provide law enforcement agencies with support and the tools they need to expand their efforts to shut down “pill mills” and to stop “doctor shoppers” who contribute to prescription drug trafficking.
Fact Sheet — Veterans Treatment Courts
Fact Sheet — Veterans Treatment Courts (PDF)
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
As Americans, we must keep in mind the enduring debt we owe our country’s military veterans. While news accounts remind us daily of the dangers our military men and women confront in combat, the serious challenges facing our veterans when they return home, particularly substance abuse and psychological health problems, often go untreated. Sadly, these challenges can sometimes lead to criminal or other destructive behaviors. The Justice Department’s most recent survey of incarcerated veterans found that an estimated 60% of the 140,000 veterans in Federal and State prisons were struggling with a substance use disorder, while approximately 25% reported being under the influence of drugs at the time of their offense.
Many of these issues can be connected to the trauma of combat and other service
Fact Sheet — Consequences of Illicit Drug Use in America
Fact Sheet — Consequences of Illicit Drug Use in America
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy
Statistics on drug deaths, drugged driving, children, school performance, economic costs, addiction and treatment need, acute health affects, criminal justice involvement, environmental impact and dangers.
