Drug Diversion Training

Course Summary

Drug diversion can take many forms and there are common ways in which drugs are diverted. It is important for all members of the interdisciplinary health team, including prescribers, pharmacists, and nursing staff, to be aware of the different strategies for drug diversion as well as the common characteristics of individuals with a substance use disorder. There are also preventative measures that healthcare facilities and clinicians may or must use to help reduce the incidence of drug diversion. These include organizational policies mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency, prescription drug monitoring programs, Federal guidelines for proper storage and security regarding controlled substances, and guidelines for ordering, prescribing, preparation and dispensing of prescription drugs or controlled substances. As the availability and scope of prescription drugs have expanded to include a range of opiates, non-opiate depressants, stimulants, and potent cold medicines, so too have the misuse of these substances and the tendency to use them recreationally.