Drug Topics - November 19, 2007 - (Page 13)

www.drugtopics.com NOVEMBER 19, 2007 DRUG TOPICS 13 Cover Story FROM PARIAH TO PATIENT Reid Paul A sea change is happening in the world of pharmaMany experts now believe that as many as 15% to 20% cy. Alcohol- or drug-addicted pharmacists were of pharmacists may develop a substance abuse problem. once pariahs, banished from the profession, re- According to an American Pharmacists Association guide ceiving little help and even less sympathy. Slowly—too from 1996, 19% of pharmacists and 41% of pharmacy slowly in many experts’ opinions—attitudes have students reported abusing psychoactive drugs. As to rechanged and the focus is now on recovery and rehabili- cent trends, unfortunately, there are little more than anectation. Yet, even as more pharmacists recognize that sub- dotal reports available. stance abuse is a disease, treatment and recovery options vary tremendously from state to state and remain chron- Drug dependency as a disease ically underfunded. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Perhaps one of the most significant improvements for (NIDA), a division of the National Institutes of Health, impaired pharmacists over the past 25 years has been the drug addiction is a “complex brain disease” characterized development of pharmacy recovery network (PRN) pro- by drug craving and seeking, and use may be compulsive grams that recognize the unique challenges recovering despite the risk of negative consequences. pharmacists face. In the past, it was either “sober up, get Some studies now indicate there may be a genetic comlocked up, or cover it up,” explained Brian Fingerson, ponent to substance abuse. One study that looked at marR.Ph., of the Kentucky Professionals Recovery Network. ijuana and cocaine abuse and addiction among twins Now, according to Fingerson and other PRN leaders, spe- in Virginia found that genetics played a significant role in cially designed programs can help get addicted pharmacists the progression from drug use to dependence. Other on the road to recovery faster. As a result of these programs, studies are now focusing on identifying genes that may PRN and pharmacy board offiimpact alcohol and drug decials report that most pharpendency. Last year, NIDA macists successfully return to researchers found geneAfter years of punitive practice and do not relapse. tic variations clustered action, pharmacy boards Still, not every state around 51 chromosohas a PRN and only mal regions that are shifting to treatment and a handful receive may play roles rehab for R.Ph.s hooked on support from the in alcohol addicboard of pharmacy. tion. A growing drugs or alcohol In fact, in most casbody of research es, PRNs are inforhas made it inmal organizations creasingly evident created by dedicated that a family history volunteers with litof alcoholism, drug tle formal structure. abuse, or other ad“Each state is differdictions is a significant ent,” explained Charles risk factor for developBroussard, R.Ph., editor ing substance abuse. of usaprn.org, an on-line Additional research catalogue of resources for also indicates strong correchemically dependent pharlations between alcohol and macists and treatment profesdrug dependency and psysionals. “People are not making chiatric problems, especially a lot of money at this.” among children. According to Photo: Jim Shive http://www.drugtopics.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Drug Topics - November 19, 2007

Drug Topics - November 19, 2007 Contents Latebreakers Letters Leukemia Patients Now Have More Options First-in-Class HIV Drug Boon to Patients at End of Tether 150 Years of American Pharmacy Pharmacy Schools Confront New Pressures From Pariah to Patient ACCP Releases Position Paper on Ethical Interactions New Injectable Antibiotic Welcomed with Open Arms NCCN Updates Head and Neck Cancer Guide Improved Phosphate Binder Approved for Dialysis Patients Considering Combination Concern Ensuring Seamless Care Bill Would Create Center for Comparative Effectiveness Hospital Improves Patient Safety with Automatic Drug Distribution System Infection Rates, Patient Stays Drop with New Drug Device How R.Ph.s Helped Three Hospitals Win Quality and Safety Awards A Pharmacist and Dog in Tow are Alzheimer’s Patients’ Best Friends More PBMs Agreeing to Pricing Transparency New Insulins in the Management of Diabetes New Products Advertisers Index Classified VIEWPOINT: Reflections on Pharmacy School After 30 Years

Drug Topics - November 19, 2007

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