Abstract

REGULATION OF REVERSE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN UNITED STATES

Moniveena M. G.*, Pramod Kumar T. M., Venkatesh M. P. and Satheesh Kumar C. S.

Abstract

Opioid analgesics are an important component of pain management for many patients. Though the patients use opioids properly under the direction of their physicians, the abuse and diversion of these medications is a major problem. In the United States,approximately 11 million people used opioids in 2002 for nonmedical purposes.The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines the diversion of medications as ―the redirection of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from the legitimate distribution chain of medical and scientific use into illicit channels.‖ There are more than 1million potential sources for drug diversion, including theft, fraud, and illegal sales involving physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Collection and Proper disposal of these medications are crucial in countering this illegal activity.

Keywords: Opioids, Reverse Distribution, Controlled Substances.