Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drug misuse refers to the use of prescription medications in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription, using a prescription medication for a different purpose, or using it more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed.

Risk Factors

• History of substance abuse
• Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
• Chronic pain or other medical conditions that require long-term prescription medication use
• Family history of substance abuse
• Social and environmental factors, such as peer pressure and easy access to prescription medications

Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

• Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl) for pain relief
• Central nervous system depressants (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam) for anxiety and sleep disorders
• Stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, methylphenidate) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Misuse

• Taking more medication than prescribed or using it more frequently
• Using someone else's prescription medication
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce medication use
• Needing increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect
• Exhibiting changes in behavior, mood, or cognitive function

Health Consequences of Prescription Drug Misuse

• Addiction and dependence
• Overdose and accidental death
• Increased risk of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis) through shared needle use
• Cognitive impairment and memory problems
• Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders

Treatment and Prevention

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder
• Counseling and behavioral therapies (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management)
• Patient education on proper medication use and risks associated with misuse
• Prescriber monitoring of patient medication use and adjustment of treatment plans as needed
• Proper disposal of unused or expired prescription medications

Resources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)