Citation

Shimane T. Yakugaku Zasshi 2013; 133(6): 617-630.

Vernacular Title

ゲートキーパーとしての薬剤師：医薬品の薬物乱用・依存への対応

Affiliation

Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Pharmaceutical Society of Japan)

DOI

10.1248/yakushi.13-00056-2

PMID

23728090

Abstract

  The nonmedical use of medications, including psychotropic drugs, is a growing health problem in Japan. According to a nationwide survey of mental hospitals, the proportion of patients with sedative (mainly benzodiazepine)-related disorders has more than doubled over the last decade. An association between psychotropic drug overdose and suicide risk has also been reported. Furthermore, over-the-counter drug abuse is still a serious problem in Japan. In recent years, pharmacists have been expected to act as gatekeepers, making timely identifications of suicide risk or substance abuse and directing these individuals to appropriate medical care facilities. In August 2012, the revised Comprehensive Suicide Measures Act identified pharmacists as one professional group that should act as gatekeepers. This article begins by reviewing the fundamental terms involved in understanding the nonmedical use of medications, including abuse, dependence, and intoxication. The current situation of substance abuse and dependence is then introduced through a summary of several epidemiological surveys conducted in Japan. Finally, the role of pharmacists as gatekeepers in preventing substance abuse and dependence on medications is discussed.

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はじめに
薬物乱用・依存という言葉から麻薬や覚せい剤と
いった違法薬物を連想する人は少なくない．特に地
域における薬物乱用防止活動や，教育現場における
薬物乱用防止教育に従事している薬剤師は違法薬物
に対する危険性を啓発する機会が多いため，「薬物
乱用＝麻薬・覚せい剤」と考えがちではなかろう
か．しかし，今，薬物乱用・依存に大きな変化がみ
られる．睡眠薬・抗不安薬といった向精神薬を適正
に使えず，薬物依存症に陥る患者が過去 10 年間で
2 倍以上に増加している．1) また，自殺の背景とし
て向精神薬の過量服薬の問題も浮上している．2) 一
方，鎮咳薬や風邪薬といった市販薬の乱用・依存も
依然として無視できない状況にある

Language: en