Road to Recovery: Pharmacist-Delivered Comprehensive Medication Management in an SUD Clinic

Authors:
Melissa C. Palmer, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP
Amanda Stahnke, PharmD, BCACP

Reviewers:
Carolanne Wartman, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP
Stuart T Haines, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

Citation:
Tran L, Hager KD. Pharmacist‐delivered comprehensive medication management in a substance use disorder clinic, an 18‐month descriptive study. J Am Coll Clin Pharm 2023;6(4):346-353.

The Problem

Patients with a substance use disorder (SUD) are likely to have a comorbid physical and mental health condition(s), both of which are associated with higher functional impairments and healthcare utilization.¹  Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 16.5% of the population ages 12 and older (46.3 million people!) met diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.² These numbers are staggering and suggest that SUD is more common than diabetes in the United States.  However, only 6% received treatment. Therefore, the expansion of the care delivery model is essential to improving treatment access and enhancing physical, mental, and social/societal outcomes.