What Is Drug Misuse?

Misuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else's prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high).

What is drug abuse and misuse?

Misuse occurs when someone uses a drug for something other than it's intended reason. Abuse is when prescriptions are used for the purpose of getting high.

What are 3 examples of medication misuse?

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, prescription drug misuse can include: taking the incorrect dose; taking a dose at the wrong time; forgetting to take a dose; stopping medicine too soon. The FDA stresses that both misuse and abuse of prescription drugs can be harmful and even life-threatening.