Journal of palliative medicine
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Opioids are the mainstay of treatment of cancer pain. With increased use there have been concerns about rising rates of prescription drug abuse and diversion. Although there has been an increase in research and practice guidelines about the scope of the problem for chronic, nonmalignant pain, less information is available about both the frequency of the problem and current practices regarding screening for substance abuse and diversion in patients and family members seen in palliative care clinics. ⋯ Despite increased concerns about substance abuse, the majority of programs did not have substance abuse and diversion policies or report screening all patients, with screening of caregivers rarely reported. Consensus guidelines addressing substance abuse and diversion for palliative patients are needed to address this growing problem.