About 70% of Americans, approximately 191 million people, visit a health care provider at least once every two years. Therefore, health care providers are in an exclusive position to prescribe medications to their patients in need, as well as recognize and prevent a prescription drug addiction when it exists. They are also responsible for setting goals for recovery and seeking the appropriate treatment when need be. What can also be incorporated into a routine history in taking any past or current drug abuse issues. This screening can be done by asking questions about what prescriptions and OTC medications the patient is taking and what for. Screening can also be done if the patient a question presents symptoms associated with drug abuse.

Health care providers should note any rapid increase in the amount of a medication. This may indicate the development of tolerance or frequent requests for refills before the quantity prescribed should run out. Health care provider should also be on high alert for their addicted patients who engage in 'doctor shopping'. Dr. shopping means moving from provider to provider in order to get multiple prescriptions for the specific drug they abuse.

A major part of patient care is preventing or putting an end to prescription drug abuse. The difficult part is that heath care providers should not avoid prescribing or administering opioids, sedatives and antidepressants if they are truly needed for medical reasons. It is fair to say that health care providers walk a delicate line when prescribing medications.