What is meant by prescription drug abuse?

The term prescription drug abuse usually refers to any misuse or non-medical use of a controlled psychotropic pharmaceutical drug—that is, the use of a drug for something other than its intended medical or psychiatric purpose (for example, to get “high”).

What kinds of drugs are used for non-medical purposes?

• Virtually any prescription drug can be consumed for reasons other than its medical purpose; however, it is usually drugs with psychotropic properties that are the focus of abuse. Some of the more popular prescription drugs for abuse include opiate-based drugs for pain relief, tranquillizers, stimulants and amphetamines, and sedatives and barbiturates.
• Other common licit (legal) drugs that can be abused for their psychoactive effects include those obtained without a prescription (referred to as “over-the-counter” drugs). These consist of drugs such as cough medicines, sleep aids and antihistamines.7 For example, common over-the-counter medicines that contain the precursors ephedrine and pseudoephedrine can be combined with other ingredients to produce the synthetic stimulant, methamphetamine.

How and why does diversion of prescription drugs occur?

• Diversion of prescription drugs away from legitimate use can occur in many ways, including:
  • “Double-doctoring” or “doctor shopping”—obtaining multiple prescriptions from different physicians;
  • Prescription pad theft and tampering resulting in forged or altered prescriptions;
  • Physician fraud—fraudulent prescriptions written by doctors in return for money;
  • Purchases from friends, relatives, or dealers for whom the drug has been legitimately prescribed;
  • Diversion of drugs from substance abuse treatment programs (for example, methadone);
  • Diversion from supplies intended for patients in health care facilities;
  • Break-ins and theft from homes, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, manufacturers, wholesalers, courier companies, clinics and hospitals;
  • Purchase of drugs on the Internet.
  • There are strong financial incentives for diverting prescription medication for non-medical uses. Trafficking in prescription drugs can be highly lucrative, and may be the only contraband product that actually gains value when re-sold.

What do we know about those at risk for abusing prescription drugs?

• A broad range of individuals abuse prescription drugs and their reasons vary widely. However, the available evidence suggests that, in general, adolescents, older adults, and women are at elevated risk to abuse prescription drugs.
• Some individuals may abuse prescription substances because they believe that they are less harmful than other substances of abuse, or because they may cost less on the streets than illicit substances.

What are some of the treatment strategies used with those who abuse prescription drugs?

• Any treatment strategy used with those abusing prescription drugs must take into account the specific needs of the individual, as well as the particular substance being abused. This principle is the same for treatment of those who abuse both licit and illicit substances.
• A growing pool of research has identified characteristics associated with effective, evidence-based approaches. In general, this research suggests that cognitive-behavioral approaches are effective in treating individuals who abuse both licit and illicit substances. This broad approach extends from theory and supporting evidence and focuses on changing clients’ behaviors, expectations and attitudes by actively teaching them skills they can use to cope with high-risk situations and to avoid or minimize slips, lapses and relapse.

What are some trends in prescription drug abuse?
A number of national studies and published reports indicate that the intentional abuse of prescription drugs, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives, to get high is a growing concern particularly among teens.

How should prescription drugs be disposed of?
Unless the label instructs differently, unused prescription drugs should be disposed of in the trash or at a facility capable of taking unused prescription drugs.

What are some facts and statistics about prescription drug abuse?
There are three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused:

• opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine;
• central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines;
• stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate

How can I report the illegal sales of prescription drugs?
The DEA has a toll-free international hotline to report the illegal sale and abuse of prescription drugs: 1-877-RxAbuse (1-877-792-2873).

The illegal sale of drugs on the Internet or in e-mails can be reported to the following agencies: Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Program, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).