Report: Physicians should track opioid-using patients better

By Staff Writer

Prescription drug abuse has become more popular among problem teens in recent years. However, a new study reveals that far too many primary care doctors do not pay adequate attention to patients who are given these addictive substances.

The report, which was published in the online version of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, is based on the records of more than 1,600 individuals who were prescribed opioids for non-cancer treatment. Researchers tracked their visits to primary care doctors over the course of two years.

They found that only 8 percent of patients had been administered any urine tests, which can determine if the prescription has been misused. Individuals who were deemed at-risk for drug dependency were more likely than non-risk users to receive multiple early refills from their doctors.

Furthermore, only 24 percent of the at-risk patients had been given urine tests. The study's authors concluded that primary care physicians should have more thorough evaluation and follow-up requirements for individuals who are requesting opioid refills.

Adolescents who abuse prescription medication may benefit from summer boot camps for teens, many of which are designed to help students adopt a drug-free lifestyle.