Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances

The prevalence of prescription drug use disorder is on the rise, including among patients previously considered low risk. This is especially true of opioid analgesics prescribed for chronic pain, stimulants prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. In order to prevent the misuse of controlled substances and reduce the risk of substance use disorders, pharmacists and other healthcare providers should fully understand the different drug Schedules and their risks, carefully follow guidelines related to the prescribing and dispensing of substances within each Schedule, and consistently utilize state monitoring programs.