Three-Step Protocol May Save Patients from Drug Abuse

Addiction is a chronic illness affecting millions of Americans. It is essential to determine whether a patient may have a genetic predisposition to substance abuse prior to writing them a prescription.

Before prescribing opiates, physicians should refer patients to substance abuse screening in order to identify high-risk patients. Next, physicians should develop a treatment plan appropriate to the patient's risk-profile and pain management needs. Finally, the patient's condition should be evaluated after 90 days, and every 90 days thereafter.

For more videos, visit our partners at The Doctor's Channel.