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Long-term use of benzodiazepines has been known to produce complications related to discontinuation, withdrawal symptoms, increased risk of accidental overdose when combined with other central nervous system depressants, persistence of benzodiazepine related side-effects, physical dependence, and benzodiazepines use disorders. There were nearly 272,000 emergency department encounters within the United States involving nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in 2008.

Over 3 million people in the United States are living with chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Psychiatric illnesses are considered a barrier to achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with HCV but early detection and treatment of depression can improve antiviral adherence. Depressive disorder is a commonly existing comorbidity of HCV, with an estimated prevalence of 14%.

The creation and sustaining of the CPNP Foundation is a direct reflection of the selfless dedication of you as CPNP members. Thank you to everyone who donated to help us surpass our 2018 goal! Donate Now or Make Your Pledge for 2019.

More than 18 million people in the U.S. misuse prescription-type opioids, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Injection and snorting/smoking are routes of administration used by millions of people who use drugs (PWUD) during their lifetime. Overdose is just one of several significant health risks associated with illicit drug use, particularly use by injection.

Drug screenings plays a vital role in patient care and can help pharmacists aid in a diagnosis, document adherence and potentially identify diversion of a substance. Understanding how to interpret drug screens can be complex secondary to cross reactivity, drug metabolisms, patient characteristics and manipulation of drug screens. Research has shown that clinicians often lack appropriate training in interpreting drug screens, which could result in negative consequences for the patient.

You have to stand out to get the residency, and you have to work hard to make it a success. Below are some tips for residency success compiled especially for people interested in psychiatric pharmacy. These videos are exclusively available to AAPP members, so you will need to log in.

Alcohol is readily available across the world despite having been determined to be the most harmful drug to individuals and society.1 Based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.9 million people aged 12 or older in the US met the criteria for alcohol use disorder with 757,000 (2.9%) falling between the ages of 12 and 17.2 Unfortunately, it has been estimated that only 554,000 (1.9%) of those diagnosed with AUD received medication to treat in the past year.