How to Prevent Opioid Dependence

A prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is an electronic database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions.

These databases can help identify patients who may be misusing prescription opioids. Doctors can also use the PDMP to assess patients’ history of controlled substance use before prescribing medication.

The programs were first established as tools for law enforcement officials to oversee the prescribing and dispensing of opioids by medical professionals. The focus has since shifted to center more on the care of the patient and on developing opioid abuse prevention and treatment strategies. (6)

According to the CDC, these measures have been shown to lead to changes in how doctors prescribe opioids, reduced patients’ ability to use multiple healthcare providers to obtain these drugs, and decreased the number of substance abuse treatment admissions. (7)

That said, evidence regarding the effectiveness of PDMPs is mixed. A review published in BMC Health Services Research notes that while PDMP implementation was associated with reduced opioid prescriptions in certain states, including New York and Florida, other states did not show similar results. (8)

And, a StatPearls article published in June 2023 noted that while there’s evidence that PDMPs may slow the rate of increase in opioid misuse, the actual number of cases hasn’t decreased. (9)

Bottom line: There isn’t enough solid evidence yet that PDMPs will have a significant positive impact on opioid misuse and related illnesses and deaths. But, according to the CDC, PDMPs “continue to be among the most promising state-level interventions to improve opioid prescribing, inform clinical practice, and protect patients at risk.” (7)

Currently, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam (a U.S. territory) have a PDMP that is operational. A variety of state agencies administer these programs, including state health departments, boards of pharmacy, and law enforcement agencies. (9)