If a patient admits to using Codeine to cope with stress, how should the pharmacy staff respond?

When a patient admits to using Codeine to cope with stress, the appropriate response by the pharmacy staff is to discretely alert the pharmacist on duty. This is because Codeine is an opioid, which poses a risk of dependency and abuse, especially when used for non-medical purposes such as stress relief.

Alerting the pharmacist is essential as they have the training and authority to assess the situation further and provide the necessary interventions. They can evaluate the patient's medication needs, offer guidance on safer alternatives, and discuss the patient's mental wellness. This response also ensures that the patient receives the proper support without making them feel judged or uncomfortable.

The other options may not address the immediate concern of potential misuse of opioids effectively. While suggesting therapy or alternative medications might be beneficial in some contexts, these approaches do not ensure immediate communication with a healthcare professional who can manage the situation appropriately. Assuring the patient that it's normal could potentially minimize the seriousness of the issue and does not promote safe practices concerning controlled substances.