The non-medical use or abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and growing public health problem affecting both individuals and their communities.

Controlled substances, those most likely to be misused, include those with psychoactive properties such as opioids (codeine, oxycodone), stimulants (medications for ADHD such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamines), and anxiolytics (i.e. Ativan/lorazepam).

These medications may be carefully prescribed for legitimate reasons however physicians also have a responsibility to try to reduce their inappropriate use.

The practice at the Student Wellness Centre when prescription for a controlled substance is being considered includes:

• Obtaining confirmation of a diagnosis, from a provider with the expertise to make that diagnosis, which warrants treatment with that medication, e.g. psychiatric or psychologist assessment confirming a diagnosis of ADHD.
• Conducting a thorough assessment to reach diagnosis, if confirmation from a previous provider is not available or adequate.
• Screening for current and past alcohol or drug misuse
• A treatment contract between the patient and prescriber which may include agreement to
  • take the medication only as prescribed
  • protect the medication from being lost or stolen
  • not give, lend or sell the medication to others
  • not provide early refills in the event that medication is lost, stolen or ruined
  • refrain from using substances, other than those prescribed
  • random urine drug testing
  • obtain prescriptions for the medication only from the Student Wellness Centre physician, unless specifically agreed with the physician when the student is away from campus for placement or holidays
  • use a single pharmacy to obtain their medication

Collaborative efforts by all members of the McMaster community will reduce the negative impact of the inappropriate use of these controlled substances.