Informatics-enabled health system: A pinnacle for illicit drug control and substance abuse

Mbanugo, Olu James and Unanah, Onyekachukwu Victor (2025) Informatics-enabled health system: A pinnacle for illicit drug control and substance abuse. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25 (2). pp. 406-425. ISSN 2581-9615

The escalating crisis of illicit drug use and substance abuse presents significant challenges to public health, law enforcement, and healthcare systems worldwide. Traditional approaches to addressing this issue often rely on fragmented data sources and reactive interventions, limiting their effectiveness in curbing the epidemic. This research explores the transformative potential of informatics-enabled health systems as a comprehensive solution for illicit drug control and substance abuse management. By integrating diverse data streams—including prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), clinical health records, behavioral health assessments, and law enforcement data—health informatics can provide a holistic view of substance use patterns. Advanced technologies such as real-time analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling are central to this approach, enabling the identification of high-risk individuals and communities before substance use escalates into addiction or criminal activity. These tools facilitate early intervention, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated responses between healthcare providers and public safety agencies. Furthermore, the study examines how informatics-driven insights can inform policy development, optimize resource allocation, and improve the effectiveness of national and local drug control strategies. This interdisciplinary framework not only enhances the ability to detect and respond to substance abuse but also supports proactive, data-driven decision-making aimed at reducing the prevalence of illicit drug use. By bridging gaps between healthcare, technology, and law enforcement, informatics-enabled health systems emerge as a pinnacle solution for controlling substance abuse and improving public health outcomes on a national scale.