Aust Prescr
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Misuse of opioid analgesics and other psychoactive medicines is a serious and increasing problem in Australia. Measures are being taken to try and prevent this progressing to a public health crisis like the opioid overdose epidemic seen in the USA One measure is real-time prescription monitoring. ⋯ These factors include subconscious negative stereotyping, a focus on preventing ‘doctor shoppers’ diverting psychoactive medicines, and a fear of sanction by regulators The Medical Board of Australia provides guidance about good practice. Patients should be treated with respect, free from bias and discrimination, and without prejudicing care because of the belief that their behaviour has contributed to their problems