According to Kathleen Smith, PhD., "When you use a prescription medication in a way other than that directed by a prescribing physician, then you are abusing that medication. This misuse can easily become an addiction with negative effects. People abuse prescription drugs for many reasons. Some of these include social pressure, experimenting with effects, to relieve stress, to feel high, or to increase alertness or concentration for work school."

This article discusses the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and how to prevent misuse.