ABOUT | pharm-final-project

ABOUT

I selected "How do doctors contribute to prescription drug abuse in the United States?" as my essential question because prescription drug abuse seems to be a critical concern in the pharmacy. I am excited to find the answer to this question because it seems to be a reoccurring problem in the United States for many adults and teens. This question is accurate because it is strongly centered around my internship at The Longstreet Clinic Pharmacy. I one day hope to work in the medical field and contribute to the society's well-being. Drawing a conclusion to the question will help me gain much-needed insight regarding my career. Prescription drug abuse is a main concern with many pharmacists because they administer prescriptions daily.

Pharmacy Facts

1. How many customers do you fill prescriptions for on average?

Response: 7,000 monthly

2. How many prescriptions do you refuse to fill?

Response: They are mostly over the phone, 10-12 daily.

3. What is the clientele?

Response: Mostly young adults

4. What is the law enforcement like when it comes to filling prescriptions?

Response: Georgia is extremely relaxed when it comes to enforcing laws

5. What is the most abused prescription that you have seen?

Response: oxycodone

6. Are there mandatory records to keep for prescriptions?

Response: There are no mandatory logs to keep for purchases.

7. How do drug abusers get prescriptions from multiple pharmacies?

Response: Many people use different aliases.

8. Are there certain pharmacies drug abusers will use?

Response: There are known retailers that are very easy to receive prescriptions from.

9. Is it extremely easy for patients to receive prescriptions from doctors?

Response: Yes, many people will not even see the doctor in person and will pay them for prescriptions.

10. Are these medications affordable?

Response: Yes, oxycodone is relatively cheap and easy to receive

Interview with Dan Lorenzen Ph.D

One of the biggest concerns with pharmacists in the United States is the prescription drug abuse that could be occurring with their medications. The unknown cause of the easy access to medications could be traced back to doctors or other medical practices. After spending much time in a pharmacy I noticed that certain drugs that are known to be over used by patients were carefully monitored. It is evident that doctor's offices were being created only to make a profit from patients by writing prescriptions that were not in absolute need to the patient. These offices were created solely for profit.