Within the last decade, abuse and misuse of certain prescription drugs, especially pain medications, has become prevalent. Studies have indicated that educating health care providers about the growing problem and providing them with information will create a heightened awareness of the appropriate use of pain medication as well as the misuses and diversion of addictive pain medications. This website contains resources for information on:

(1) prescribing and dispensing pain medications

(2) abusive and addictive behavior of certain persons who use prescription pain medications

(3) common diversion strategies employed by certain persons who use prescription pain medications, including fraudulent patterns

(4) the appropriate use of pain medications and the difference between addiction, pseudo-addiction, tolerance, and physical dependence

(5) information regarding the services provided by poison control centers

Agency Guidelines/Position Statements on the Treatment of Pain
Texas Medical Board
Texas State Board of Pharmacy

General Information for Health Professionals
The Addiction Science Research and Education Center is a group of scientists whose mission is to communicate the latest findings in Addiction Science to the public.

"Because They Trust Us" is a video program series available to health professionals from the University of Texas College of Pharmacy which provides information on chemical dependence, abused prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.

Information from the Missouri Task Force on Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion of Prescription Drugs to increase Awareness of America's drug abuse problem.  (PDF)

Information on The President's National Drug Control Strategy

RxPatrol - Prescription Pattern Analysis Tracking Robberies
               and Other Losses.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Information regarding services provided by Poison Control Centers

Peer Assistance Programs for Health Professionals
Dentists - Peer Assistance for Dentists

Nurses -  Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN)

Pharmacists - Professional Recovery Network (PRN)

Other helpful links

American Cancer Society

Health and Human Services

National Alcohol Screening Day

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Medicine Net

Partners Against Pain

Texas Pain Society

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