Work

Misuse of Medicines in the European Union: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Year: 2012

Type: review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although awareness of the misuse of medicines is increasing, data on the extent of the problem in the European Union (EU) are lacking. METHODS: In order to assess the magnitude and severity of the problem, a systematic review of the literature on the misuse of analgesics, opioid substitution medicines and sedatives/hypnotics (with the exception of benzodiazepines) was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Relevant literature was identified between 2001 and 2011. RESULTS: The main groups of misused medicines include opioid analgesics, methadone, buprenorphine and Z-drugs. Regional trends in medicine misuse indicate heterogeneity across the EU with respect to misused medicine types and research activities. Prevalence, high-risk populations and factors contributing to medicine misuse are discussed. CONCLUSION: The implications of these findings for prevention, treatment, and policy in the EU are considered.

Source: European Addiction Research

DOI: 10.1159/000337028

Authors: Alicia Casati, Roumen Sedefov, Tim Pfeiffer-Gerschel

Institutions: IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Bundesministerium für Gesundheit