Raising Awareness About Prescription Drug Abuse
The dental team should be prepared to manage patients at risk
Prescription drugs classified as controlled dangerous substances are widely accepted as essential therapeutic modalities in treating a variety of healthcare conditions. However, many prescription medications have pleasurable side effects that can appeal to patients to take these drugs for uses other than intended. Misuse or abuse of prescription drugs can contribute to addictive behaviors, serious health risks, and potentially, death.1 The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), as well as other state and local agencies across the country, maintains a close watch on trends in prescription drug abuse.1 A news release on March 7, 2007, stated that NIDA, as a component of the National Institutes of Health, initiated its first large-scale national study related to prescription drug abuse, thereby recognizing it as a serious healthcare issue facing the United States.2 More recently, on September 22, 2010, Nora D. Volkow, MD, Director of NIDA, addressed these concerns at the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. Her testimony indicated that nonmedical use of prescription drugs occurs among 7 million Americans per month. This figure surpassed the number of Americans abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined.3
It is imperative that the dental community remains educated and informed of nationwide healthcare trends, and prescription drug abuse is no exception. Ethically, oral healthcare providers should be able to respond in a manner that addresses the best interests of their patients.4 This response needs to include understanding the terminology of prescription drug abuse; identifying and describing the drugs most often misused or abused; identifying individuals who may be at risk for prescription drug abuse; and managing patients at risk in the dental setting.
Terminology
NIDA recognizes that the terminology related to the abuse of drugs tends to be applied in “idiosyncratic ways.”5 To avoid unnecessary confusion in interpreting the research findings, leaders in the area of drug abuse suggest that study results specify definitions for terms used.5 For the purposes of this article, the definitions used will be those consistent with reports by NIDA.
The introduction of this narrative uses the terms “misuse,” “abuse,” and “nonmedical use.” According to NIDA, the terms “prescription drug abuse” and “nonmedical use” are used interchangeably. The definition of prescription drug abuse used by most national surveys is: “the intentional use of an approved medication without a prescription, in a manner other than how it was prescribed, for purposes other than prescribed, or for the experience or feeling the medication can produce. Misuse refers to unintentional use of an approved medication in a manner other than how it was prescribed.”3
A simple example of abuse may be illustrated by a teenage girl who self-prescribes dextroampheamine (Dexedrine®) to help her “keep her appetite in check.” She may report that she “heard diet pills can be dangerous,” so she chooses to use her friend’s sister’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication instead. Another example is the middle-school student who decides to take his brother’s unused hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin®) from his recent third molar extraction surgery, simply to “see what happens.”
The elderly provide examples of the misuse of prescribed drugs when taking medications in a way that is different from how their doctor prescribes the medication. As poly-medications and complicated prescribing regimens rise, and as confusion increases and mental acuity decreases for some older adults, the odds that medications can be unintentionally misused can increase accordingly.3
Most Frequently Abused Drugs
Statistics related to emergency room visits support the increasing nationwide trend of prescription drug misuse and abuse. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) collects data related to emergency room visits resulting from drug misuse and abuse. DAWN reports revealed that between 2004 and 2006 the total number of hospital visits to emergency departments (EDs) across the United States increased by 3.9%.6 Although the number of drug-related ED visits remained stable during this time, prescription drug-related ED visits increased by 44%.6
This staggering statistic speaks to the epidemic of prescription drug abuse, and how for some drug seekers certain medications appear to be favored over the traditional illicit or “street” drugs. Notably, certain mood-altering prescription drugs set themselves apart from others as having higher addictive potential. Drugs with characteristics that include a rapid onset of action, high purity, high potency, and brief duration appear to be most sought-after by drug seekers. Therefore, drugs like diazepam (Valium®), which crosses the blood-brain barrier rapidly, or alprazolam (Xanax®), which has a short half-life and high potency, are more likely to be abused and have a higher “street value.”7 The three most widely abused or misused drug classifications are opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants.6
Risk for Prescription Misuse and Abuse
In an effort to address the prescription drug abuse issue, it becomes critical that those at risk for misuse and abuse be identified. According to the literature, certain groups appear to be more at risk than others. NIDA’s recent congressional report, through data from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), identifies young adults age 18 to 25 as the group with the highest percentage of nonmedical use of prescription drugs in past-month users.3 A current trend in this age group is the use of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD. College students are relying on these “legal” drugs to help them “focus” on their studies.8 Data also shows, however, that past-year users in the 12–17-year-old age group are more likely to become dependent on the psychotherapeutic drugs used when compared to young adults. In this 12–17-year-old age group, females have been shown to be more likely to participate in the nonmedical use of pain relievers, tranquilizers, and stimulants than males in the same group, and are more likely to be dependent on stimulants.3 Data from the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey (MTF) reports that 8 of the top 14 categories of drugs abused by 12th graders are both prescription, particularly opioids, and over-the-counter drugs. Through the MTF data, 1 in 10 high-school seniors have reported nonmedical use of Vicodin® and 1 in 20 report the same for OxyContin®.3
In addition to women and adolescents, a growing population of individuals at high risk for developing prescription drug abuse is seniors, or those over 65 years of age. NIDA’s 2005 report cited above also states that this population comprises “only 13% of the population, yet accounts for approximately one-third of all medications prescribed in the United States.”1 This group of patients is known to metabolize drugs differently than younger patients. Additionally, as a result of their medical histories, these patients are often taking multiple medications that when used together can confound adverse reactions, lead to confusion regarding proper use, and potentiate unwanted dependence. Seniors often seek the care of multiple physicians who may offer repeat prescriptions for the same medical issue. Additionally, increased cognitive impairment, coupled with the CNS effects of medications, can result in unfortunate falls or accidents, leading to more severe health-related issues and potentially requiring more prescription drugs.1,9
Although it is important that the healthcare team remain cognizant of the more recent trends of populations at risk for addiction to prescription drugs, it is also critical to recall the other populations who have more traditionally identified themselves at risk for addictive patterns across all demographics.10 Those at risk have reported histories that include, but are not limited to, the following: severe stress, past addiction, a family member (genetic link) who has revealed addictive behaviors, or emotional trauma and/or depression.11
In addition to these risk factors, other patient characteristics may also prove to be “red flags” that can alert the practitioner to the possibility of prescription drug abuse. For example, a medical history may include a complexity of ailments and/or that of an “allergy” to certain nonsteroidal or nonprescription analgesic drugs. Moreover, a request for a certain drug by name, describing it as the only drug that can alleviate the pain, may be presented. A report that the prescription has been “lost” or that it was left in luggage that was “lost” in travel may surface. These reports are often accompanied by complicated time constraints related to appointments; these and other “stories” may even be substantiated by a friend or family member who is also present in the office.11
The Dental Setting
Healthcare teams are in the position to identify and treat a growing population of patients who are afflicted with drug-related disorders. NIDA’s revised August 2005 Research Report Series expounds on the role physicians can have on helping to prevent, identify, and assist their patients in getting the support they need when faced with a drug-related disorder. The report goes on to outline that since 70% of Americans seek the care of their primary physician at least once every 2 years, these physicians are in a unique position to be of service to their patients who may be abusing drugs.1 The report does not, however, highlight the role the oral healthcare provider can have on the same population. It is widely accepted that the recommended standard of dental care is to recall patients at least every 6 months to reduce the risk of oral disease. With this timetable in mind, the average dental team member may find him/herself in the role of being among the first of the healthcare team to identify and assist the patient who is abusing prescription drugs.
As written in the American Dental Association (ADA) Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (section 2.A.), dentists have the obligation to keep “their knowledge and skill current” to best serve their patients and society. This includes keeping abreast of current trends in prescription drug abuse.4 As healthcare providers, we have been trained to “never treat a stranger.” In doing so, as the dental team serves to address the needs of their patients, they can first gather critical information that will allow them to learn more about their patients’ risks for drug abuse. While obtaining a thorough history (to include asking about addiction/recovery history) and physical examination, the dental team has the ability to obtain additional information, observe body language and overall presentation, and develop healthy and trusting doctor–patient relationships.
Resources
In April 2009, specifically to assist the healthcare community, NIDA launched a website (https://www.drugabuse.gov/medical-health-professionals) targeted at medical and health professionals termed “NIDAMED.”12 This site provides valuable resources, including videos related to building trust in the doctor-patient relationship; access to the “NIDA Centers of Excellence for Physician Information” (American Medical Association collaborative efforts with NIDA); treatment and prevention literature, including clinical trials; and access to the “NIDA Networking Project,” an opportunity for interested healthcare providers to exchange and collaborate on research.
In an effort to help practicing healthcare providers better inform their patients about drug misuse and abuse, patient information literature for both adults and youth is also accessible from the NIDAMED site. Use of the “NIDA-Modified Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (NMASSIST)” may also be considered by the healthcare provider as a helpful in-office screening measure. This quick online screening tool assists healthcare providers in identifying those patients who may be at risk for substance abuse of any kind. Patients can be asked to take this online survey in the office and the results can be reviewed with the healthcare provider immediately. The calculated risks of use and/or addictive potential are based on a scale of “high,” “moderate,” or “low” risk. As each rating related to the specific patient is revealed, online resources to include “Conducting a Brief Intervention,” “Recommendations to Address Patient Resistance,” and “Sample Progress Notes” can be easily accessed through provided links. The results also offer the healthcare provider support information, including when it may be appropriate to counsel the patient in the office, when it is necessary to refer the patient for external specialized care related to their habits or risk, and how to access these centers.12
Through the use of a computer-based search process, drug abuse patient counseling resources are easily accessible, making it simple for providers to find the necessary help for their patients. When faced with a patient who is interested in help related to their addiction problem, the healthcare provider can quickly identify a nearby counseling center. Thanks to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (as a branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services), a simple electronic search can help locate these centers across the country. The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator can be easily accessed from the NIDAMED site.12 Users who provide login location information gain access to all treatment facilities in their area according to the chosen mile radius. This search also provides helpful information related to the facilities’ locations, phone numbers, primary focus of services provided, outpatient versus inpatient capabilities, payment assistance programs/accepted forms of payment, special language/disability services provided, and website accessibility.
Conclusion and Recommendations
It is critical that oral healthcare practitioners be well-versed in the terminology and risk factors associated with prescription drug abuse and be able to offer guidance and support when faced with a patient at risk of drug abuse. As a participant in the “Tufts Health Care Institute’s Program on Opioid Risk Management” conference in November 2008, the ADA has posted a summary of its findings. This collaboration has provided information to include a list of goals to help address the prescription drug abuse issue. The ADA’s work includes written guidelines for opioid use and a research agenda to assist other agencies.13 The literature presented during this symposium supported the belief that the quantities of opioid analgesics prescribed for the management of postoperative pain are often more than usually needed.
Through medical and drug histories, the dental community may be able to identify possible abusers, communicate with patients in recovery, consider alternatives for pain control, inform patients not to share their medications with anyone, and alert patients (and parents) to maintain secure storage and dispose of excess drugs properly. It is critical for dental team members to be informed of these nationwide outcomes and professional expectations related to the issue of prescription drug abuse in order to continue to provide the best treatment to their patients as they service the community.
Excerpt from: Compendium. 2011;32(6):14-22.
References
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Research Report Series. Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/Prescription.html. Accessed November 13, 2010.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA Launches First Large-Scale National Study to Treat Addiction to Prescription Pain Medications. Available at: https://archives.drugabuse.gov/newsroom/07/NR3-07a.html. Accessed November 13, 2010.
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/Testimony/9-22-10Testimony.html. Accessed November 13, 2010.
4. American Dental Association. Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. Available at: https://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/ada_code.pdf. Accessed November 15, 2010.
5. Compton WM, Volknow ND. Abuse of prescription drugs and the risk of addiction . Drug Alcohol Depend. 2006;83(suppl 1):S4-S7.
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA Info-Facts Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/HospitalVisits.html. Accessed November 14, 2010.
7. Longo LP, Parran T Jr, Johnson B, Kinsey W. Addiction: part II. Identification and management of the drug-seeking patient . Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(8):2401-2408. 10. U.S. Department of Education’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Violence Prevention. Recreational Use of Ritalin on College Campuses. Available at: https://www.higheredcenter.org/services/publications/recreational-use-ritalin-college-campuses. Accessed November 23, 2010.
8. U.S. Department of Education’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Violence Prevention. Recreational Use of Ritalin on College Campuses. Available at: https://www.higheredcenter.org/services/publications/recreational-use-ritalin-college-campuses. Accessed November 23, 2010.
9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Confronting the Rise in Abuse of Prescription Drugs. Available at: https://archives.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_notes/NNvol19N5/DirRepVol19N5.html. Accessed November 15, 2010.
10. Diogo S. When your patient is an addict: understanding addiction and recovery issues can help you better manage your patients and protect your practice . AGD Impact. 2003:12-16.
11. Rosco MS . The drug seeking patient: undertreated pain or underhanded motives? Clinician Reviews. 2004;14(2).
12. National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDAMED Resources for Medical and Health Professionals. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed/. Accessed November 15, 2010.
13. American Dental Association. Dentists seek to curb abuse when helping patients. Available at: https://www.ada.org/news/4227.aspx. Accessed November 15, 2010.
About the Authors
Marnie Oakley, DMD
Assistant Professor and Chair
Restorative Dentistry/Comprehensive Care
Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jean O’Donnell, DMD
Assistant Professor and Vice Chair
Restorative Dentistry/Comprehensive Care
Assistant Dean for Education and Curriculum
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Paul A. Moore, DMD, PhD, MPH
Professor and Chair, Department of Dental Anesthesiology
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
James Martin, DMD
Recent graduate, University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
