Are we prepared to tackle addiction in community pharmacies?

A recent survey among Finnish community pharmacists highlights the everyday presence of addiction-related concerns in pharmacy practice. Conducted among 143 respondents via online survey across five collaborative areas of Finland, the study found that pharmacists regularly encounter customers suspected of nicotine dependence, prescription medication misuse, alcohol use disorders, and other substance-related problems. Yet these concerns were seldom addressed during customer interactions. While pharmacists expressed a clear willingness to support individuals facing addiction, many felt they lacked the tools, confidence, and structural support needed to do so. Reported barriers included uncertainty about their own abilities and fear of triggering negative emotional reactions.

New initiatives linking pharmacies to addiction care needed

In Finland, alcohol-related deaths and drug-related mortality among young people remain a pressing public health issue. Community pharmacies, where people regularly seek advice and medication, are uniquely positioned to spot early signs of addiction, and provide brief interventions. Pharmacists are widely trusted professionals and maintain frequent contact with individuals who may be experiencing substance-related or behavioral challenges. While earlier research shows that pharmacy-based interventions can be effective, addiction-related work in these settings has so far received only limited attention.

From evidence to action: how the results can impact society

The study reveals a clear gap between recognition and response: pharmacists often notice addiction-related issues but rarely act on them. Bridging this gap could enable earlier support and lead to improved outcomes. One way forward could be to introduce structured screening tools (like validated questionnaires) and brief intervention protocols, making addiction-related conversations easier to manage. Expanding addiction-related education in both pharmacy curricula and continuing professional training would also strengthen pharmacists` confidence and competence, helping them step in when needed. A stronger integration of addiction-related tasks into routine pharmacy practice could normalize such conversations and reduce stigma. At the same time, closer collaboration between pharmacies and addiction services would ensure clear referral pathways and give pharmacists the support they need to guide customers toward appropriate care.

The study also underlines that behavioral addictions remain poorly recognized in pharmacy practice; raising awareness and developing tools would broaden the scope of support. (see figure 1)  Ultimately, recognizing addiction support as part of pharmacy services could unlock new avenues for public health impact, if backed by sufficient funding and infrastructure.

In short;

The study makes clear that pharmacists are ready to support people struggling with addiction – but without the right tools, training, and collaboration, this potential remains untapped.

The article is written by

Sara Tsokkinen. M.Sc. student (Pharm.), University of Helsinki

Mikko Lemettilä, M.Sc. (Pharm.Sci.), A-Clinic Foundation

Emmi Kauppila, PhD researcher, Tampere University

Jukka Koskelo, M.Sc. (Health Care), R&D Director, A-Clinic Foundation

Marika Pohjanoksa-Mäntylä, PhD (Pharm.), university lecturer, University of Helsinki

on the request of PopNAD.