What must a practitioner do if they suspect their patient is abusing prescribed narcotics?

A practitioner has a professional and ethical responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients. When there is a suspicion of narcotic abuse, conducting a thorough assessment is critical. This involves evaluating the patient’s history, behavior, and any signs of misuse or dependency on the prescribed narcotics.

If the assessment indicates that the patient may be struggling with addiction, it is important to take appropriate action, which may include referring them to a specialist for addiction treatment. This referral can connect the patient to the necessary resources and support they need to address their substance use issues effectively.

Continuing to prescribe without addressing the potential for abuse does not prioritize patient safety. Similarly, changing the medication without a careful assessment may not address the underlying problem and could even exacerbate the situation. Notifying law enforcement is generally not appropriate unless there is clear evidence of criminal activity that poses a risk to others or the practitioner. Therefore, the most responsible action is to conduct a comprehensive assessment and possibly refer the patient for further treatment.