Medicines are meant to improve lives, not put them in jeopardy. But even drugs you get from your pharmacy can be dangerous if they're not used as they should be. And increasingly, that's happening.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=nida">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a> (NIDA), millions of Americans are misusing or abusing prescription medications. They may not even realize that what they're doing is wrong and unsafe. 
The dangers of prescription drug abuse
People tend to think of drug abuse as something that happens in secret with illegal drugs. But it can also involve legal medicines&mdash;prescription and over-the-counter&mdash;that people perceive as safe. Misuse and abuse can include: 
<ul>
 <li>Taking medication in higher doses or more often than directed. </li>
 <li>Using medication for a reason other than the reason for which it was prescribed. </li>
 <li>Offering a prescribed medication to someone else or using a drug prescribed to another person. </li>
</ul>
According to the NIDA, the most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioid pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives and stimulants. When these medicines are taken incorrectly or without a doctor's supervision, they may cause lethal side effects or drug interactions. They may also lead to addiction or overdose. 
Adults younger than 65 are among those most at risk, according to Kathryn L. Hahn,&nbsp;PharmD, former spokeswoman for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=pharma">American Pharmacists Association</a>. But because the drugs are often easily accessible in homes, teens abuse prescription drugs in high numbers as well. 
In fact, 1 in 4 teens admits to misusing or abusing a prescription drug, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=drugfree">The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids</a>. 
Others at high risk include people who: 
<ul>
 <li>Have a history of depression. </li>
 <li>Use psychiatric medications. </li>
 <li>Have a history of drug abuse. </li>
</ul>
Using medications safely
Everyone can play a role in preventing prescription drug abuse. 
Ask questions. When you or a family member is prescribed medicine, ask your doctor about its potential to cause addiction or abuse. Then, talk about specific signs or symptoms that might suggest there's a problem. 
Follow directions.&nbsp;Take as prescribed and don&rsquo;t share it with anyone. If you feel your pain can be managed without the medication, talk with your doctor about reducing the amount you take.
Report problems. If you have problems or concerns about the medicine or your condition, contact your doctor. 
Store medication securely. Keep dangerous drugs out of places that are easy for others to access, such as your medicine cabinet. And monitor your supply to make sure it isn't going down unexpectedly. A safe is a good option for storage, Hahn&nbsp;says. 
Dispose of unused drugs safely. You can learn about the correct ways to get rid of old drugs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm">website</a>.
Safeguarding your children
To protect your children, the most important thing you can do may be to have a conversation about the dangers of prescription drugs. 
Often, mom and dad will talk about alcohol and illegal drugs, but prescription drug abuse "isn't even on parents' radar," Hahn&nbsp;says. 
That has to change. 
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids recommends using everyday teachable moments to educate your children. For instance, maybe you're watching a movie together in which someone is taking drugs. Use that moment to talk about the dangers of drug use&mdash;including prescription drug abuse. 
Whatever you do, make it clear that your children should never take medication without your knowledge. Don't be afraid to talk about the subject directly. 
reviewed 1/16/2018

Prescription drug abuse: Good medicine, bad use

Prescription drug abuse affects people of all ages and is a growing, sometimes unrecognized, problem. But it's also a problem that can be prevented.