Prescription Drug Misuse Misusing prescription drugs (Rx) is dangerous, increases your risk of addiction and can jeopardize your military career. Misuse is taking a medicine in a way other than prescribed. This may mean: Taking a medication that is not prescribed to you. Taking a different dosage than directed. Using an alternative method to take the medication (e.g., crushing and snorting tablets). Risk Factors for Addictions Incorrect use of Rx drugs can lead to addiction. Some factors may increase your risk, such as: Unstable home environment. Exposure to drugs at a young age. Being more likely to give in to peer pressure. Experimenting with drugs, especially at a young age. Smoking or injecting a drug. Gender and age can also influence your likelihood of drug misuse and addiction. Click here to learn more about risk factors of Rx drug misuse. Avoiding Prescription Drug Misuse Only use medications that are prescribed to you. Do not share your medications with others. Follow the directions on the label. Be aware of any possible side effects. Understand how other drugs interact with the medication. Always discuss with your healthcare provider before stopping or changing dosage. Store medications in a safe place and dispose of them properly. Commonly Misused Medications Often used to combat pain, opioids can trigger reward systems in the brain that cause a euphoric effect known as a ‘high’. This can lead to substance use disorder and overdose when opioids are not taken correctly. More Info on Opioids When stimulants are misused, it increases the risk of dependence and addiction to these substances. If use is stopped once these develop, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur. In addition, taking too much of a stimulant at one time may cause severe effects on the body, including the risk of heart failure and seizures. More Info on Stimulants CNS depressants are used to slow down brain activity in those with anxiety and sleep disorders. With consistent use over time, tolerance and/or dependence may develop. If you abruptly stop taking these medications, a rebound effect may occur that causes seizures and other harmful effects. More Info on Depressants Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – “SAMHSA’s National Helpline” Too Much to Lose – “Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse” United States Drug Enforcement Administration – “Recovery Resources” References Medline Plus – “Prescription Drug Misuse” National Institute on Drug Abuse – “Drug Misuse and Addiction” National Institutes of Health – “How can prescription drug misuse be prevented?” National Institutes of Health – “What classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused?”
