Available information on patterns of alcohol and drug abuse among health professionals, as well as information on abuse versus impairment, is reviewed. Past and present attitudes and approaches to helping the alcohol- or drug-impaired health professional in Ontario are examined.

Imagine being unable to read the directions on your prescription vial or package of over-the-counter medication. It sounds like a nightmare, but one in 10 pharmacy patients are illiterate. This article reviews how pharmacists can help patients with low or non-existent literacy skills by modifying label instructions, improving patient counselling techniques and using symbols, pictures and audio tapes.