12/16/2025
PETS core faculty Greta Bushnell led research finding that the number of controlled medications - drugs at risk for misuse - prescribed to young people is declining.
Dr. Bushnell says, "Multiple factors could contribute to the changes in prescribing trends, such as changes in state and federal policies, changes in diagnostic practices, increased recognition of safety concerns, and shifts in patient and clinician preferences."
The number of controlled medications – those classified to have the potential for misuse or dependency – prescribed to young people is declining, according to Rutgers Health researchers.