Abuse of psychoactive substances: The role of pharmacist

Abuse of psychoactive substances (PAS) is a major health and social problems, worldwide. The overall population is in direct daily contact with the PAS and thus, at risk of PAS abuse. Pharmacists have a unique and comprehensive knowledge about drugs and PAS, as well as, about the adverse effects of their inappropriate use (abuse). So far, regarding this problematic, the role of pharmacists, as health promoters, is mostly recognized in the field of pharmacotherapy and clinico-toxicological laboratory analysis. However, the role of pharmacists should be recognized more widely in the society, in the sense of prevention, advisory and educational role. According to the American model, in this area of work, pharmacists are responsible for prevention, education and assistance in overall health and social care system of addicts. Also, this paper gives an overview of the importance of institutional harmonization in the PAS domain abuse, at the city, region and state level. Inadequate cooperation at this level is a immense threat to society, and in the same time, an indicator of irresponsibility and neglect of the community regarding addiction related problems.