The identification and management of drug-seeking behavior in a medical center

We describe the development of a quality assurance program that monitors prescription medication misuse in a medical setting. The program focuses on patient activities that influence physician prescribing of abusable medications. Seven defining criteria have been developed to judge the presence of drug seeking by patients. When appropriate, a drug-seeking label is attached to the patient's chart and the hospital computer information system. The warning informs the physician and protects the patient from excessive medications.