Mitigating the prescription drug abuse epidemic

Focused attention on the prescription drug abuse epidemic needs to include evidence-based training for clinicians who manage patients with pain to facilitate accurate screening with consideration of comorbid conditions, diagnosis, selection of the appropriate treatment regimen, and focused monitoring of adherence to the established course of therapy. DEA licensure requirements need to be amended to mandate targeted training focused on pain medication upon initial application and renewal of license. A nationwide mandated real-time dispenser database that requires verification every time a clinician prescribes opioids and other key controlled substances should be a top priority.