Before we begin: Prescription drug misuse happens if you take a medicine in a way that is different from what the doctor prescribed. Misusing some drugs can lead to addiction.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about prescription drug misuse. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is prescription drug misuse? If you take a medicine in a different way than your health care provider prescribed, it’s called prescription drug misuse. It could be:
Taking medicine prescribed for someone else.
Taking a larger dose than you are supposed to.
Taking the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example, instead of swallowing your tablets, you might crush them and then snort or inject them.
Using the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high.
Misusing some prescription drugs can lead to addiction. These include opioids, sedatives, tranquilizers, and stimulants. Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease. It causes a person to take drugs repeatedly despite the harm they cause.
Who is at risk for prescription drug misuse? Prescription drug misuse can affect anyone at any age, including teenagers and older adults. It can happen if you need certain medicines to treat a medical condition, reduce pain after an injury or surgery, or for chronic pain.
Risk factors can include:
A lack of knowledge about the prescription drug and possible risks
A previous addiction to other substances, including alcohol and tobacco
Certain mental health conditions
What are the risks of prescription drug misuse? Prescription drug misuse can have serious medical consequences. Every medicine has some risk of side effects, which providers think about when prescribing medicines. People who misuse these drugs may not know the risks. Some medicines may not be safe for them, especially at higher doses or when taken with other medicines.
What are treatments for prescription drug misuse? Treatment for prescription drug misuse often includes medicines and counseling, but it depends on the type of drug and your needs.
The counseling may be individual, family, and/or group therapy. It can help you:
Understand why prescription drug misuse began
Learn how to change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior
Manage personal problems and develop positive relationships
Learn how to manage cravings and avoid situations that could lead to a relapse
Stopping or cutting back on prescription drugs used for a while, may cause different symptoms for different drugs. This is called withdrawal. Your provider will work with you to manage the symptoms as your body gets used to being taken off the medicine.
How can I prevent problems with taking prescription drugs? Providers and pharmacists play a role in preventing or reducing prescription drug misuse, but you can also take steps to reduce your risk.
A few ways to help reduce your risk and make sure that you are using any prescription medicines correctly include:
Talk to your provider about any other prescription medicines, over-the-counter-medicines, and supplements that you’re taking to see if it is safe to take the prescription drug with them.
Follow the directions carefully and take medicine as prescribed. If you’re taking prescription drugs for pain and it isn’t working, don’t stop or change the amount you’re taking without talking to your provider.
If your provider prescribes opioids, ask about the risks and benefits of taking the medicine, and if another medicine with less risk of addiction could be used.
NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Also known as: Prescription Drug Abuse.
Related topics: Amphetamines, Drug Abuse, Prescription, Prescription Drug Abuse.
Categories: Substance Use and Disorders.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Key Takeaways
Understanding prescription drug misuse is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.