Pharmacists' preconceptions to drug

abuse

 

Many people, pharmacists included, are prejudiced toward drug abusers, with the belief that the addict would not require the drug if they gave themselves a purpose, such as a job and that addiction is simply a personal weakness.

 

Even the Government leans towards “visible punishment” via the Community Payback Scheme as part of the rehabilitation of problematic offenders.

 

Despite this, addiction fits in to the disease model, with the brain being the affected organ, stress being the cause (resulting in the dysregulation of the dopamine reward system) and leads to cravings, loss of control and continued administration. Therefore, addicts should be considered as patients.