Abstract
Alcohol abuse is defined as pattern of drinking that result in harm to a person’s health, well-being, relationships, and productivity. A person who abuses drugs and alcohol is not necessarily an addict. However, abuse of these substances is a risk factor for developing an addiction because continuous abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) believes that pharmacists have the unique knowledge, skills, and responsibilities for assuming an important role in alcohol abuse prevention, education, and assistance. Pharmacists, as health care providers, should be actively involved in reducing the negative effects that alcohol abuse has on society, health systems, and the pharmacy profession. Pharmacists have unique, comprehensive knowledge about the safe and effective use of medications and about the adverse effects of their inappropriate use. The provision of pharmaceutical care to individual patients involves pharmacists assessing the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy, counselling, and monitoring medication-use outcomes. Furthermore, pharmacists have legal and organizational responsibilities for medication distribution and control across the continuum of practice settings within health care organizations. With this combination of knowledge and organizational responsibilities, pharmacists are prepared to serve in leadership and service roles in alcohol abuse prevention and education and assist in a variety of patient care, employee health, and community activities.
