RISE Blog | Medication or Misuse? The Difference Between Prescription Drug Use and Abuse

Written By: Ayin Lewis, Makel Dandridge, & Avery Matak, Peer Educators
Edited By: Evangeline Flores
March 7th, 2025

Prescription medications are meant to heal, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life. But when misused, they can quickly turn into a dangerous dependency. In recent years, the rise of prescription drug abuse has blurred the lines between medical necessity and addiction, leaving many individuals caught in a cycle they never intended to enter.

Whether it’s painkillers, stimulants, or anti-anxiety medications, the misuse of prescriptions often starts innocently by taking an extra pill for relief, sharing medication with a friend, or using a higher dose than prescribed. What starts as a shortcut to feeling better can spiral into dependency, health risks, and even life-threatening consequences.

We will explore the difference between proper use and abuse, the warning signs of dependency, and how to seek help if you or a loved one is struggling. It’s important to remember that awareness is the first step in prevention.

Prescription vs. Over the Counter Drugs

You may know the terms “Prescription” and “Over-the-Counter” (OTC) drugs. Maybe you've bought OTC cold medicine or been prescribed medicine by your doctor in the past. Do you know the key differences between these types of drugs and why you have to buy them from different places? That has to do with their ingredients and how they're regulated.

Both prescription and OTC drugs have intended uses and should be used according to their instructions. A Drug is defined by the FDA as “a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2017).

Prescription drugs are medications that are regulated by the FDA through something called the New Drug Application (NDA) process. They must be prescribed by a doctor and bought at a pharmacy. On the other hand, OTC drugs do not require a doctor’s prescription and can be bought from a grocery store. They are also regulated by the FDA, but through OTC Drug Monographs. These are a set of “recipes” or approved sets of formulas and ingredients (U.S. Federal and Drug Administration, 2017).

Using prescription drugs correctly means taking them as directed by a doctor for legitimate medical reasons. Prescriptions and OTC medications are both used to lessen the symptoms of illness and treat legitimate medical concerns, but they can have harmful effects when used inconsistently with their directions.

Drug Misuse and Abuse

Drug misuse occurs when a person uses drugs in a way that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2008). When drugs are used outside their intended purpose, they are being misused. This can take form in different ways like taking a medication prescribed for someone else, taking a medication inconsistently, or continuing a medication after the recommended period of time. 

An easy way to ensure correct usage is to check the prescription bottle’s directions for proper use. You should be aware of whether or not you can combine the medication with other medications, alcohol or food. The package will also usually tell you which time of day and how many times per a day you should take the medicine. If you are ever uncertain whether or not something is safe, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or pharmacy to ask them any questions regarding your medication.

Drug misuse becomes drug abuse when a person continues to use a substance beyond its intended purpose, even when it causes trouble with health, work, relationships or other areas of the person’s life. Even occasional drug misuse can have hidden risks and serious consequences.

Dangers of Drug Abuse

Risks vary depending on the type of drug. There are various side effects for abusing prescription drugs, including the possibility of overdosing. There are three classes of drugs that are the most abused: opioids, depressants, and stimulants (Montgomery County PA).

1. Opioids
   • Opioids bind to proteins called opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals that are usually transmitted from the brain to the body. Their effects include are feelings of sleepiness, relaxation, euphoria, nausea, slowed breathing, liver damage, immune, hormonal dysfunction, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and itchy skin. Drugs classified as opioids include codeine, heroin, opium, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl (What are Opioids?, 2025). According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 57.1% of first-time drug abusers abused opioids. (n.d.) Long-term opioid abuse can also cause significant damage to the lungs, brain, and the heart. 
2. Depressants
   • Depressants inhibit the function of the central nervous system and decelerate messages between the brain and body. They are commonly called “downers”. Effects of these include drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anxiety relief, seizure prevention, and changes in concentration and coordination. Examples of depressants are Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Rohypnol ('roofies"), and Quaaludes. Side effects related to high doses of depressant drugs can include vomiting, blackouts, memory loss, irregular or shallow breathing, and increased risk of going into a coma (What are Depressants?, 2025).
3. Stimulants
   • Stimulants accelerate messages between the brain and central nervous system. Because of the increase in mental functioning, stimulants are often called “uppers”. Stimulants can increase feelings of alertness, focus, confidence, and energy. Common stimulants are Caffeine, Amphetamines, Methylphenidate, Nicotine, Cocaine, Ecstasy and Methamphetamines. However, stimulant abuse can lead to anxiety, tremors, seizures, and risk of going into a coma (What are Stimulants?, 2025).

By themselves, and used safely, these drugs are not inherently harmful. Opioids are prescribed as pain relievers, stimulants like caffeine are used to help people stay alert, and depressants are prescribed to ease symptoms of anxiety or limit seizures. However, when one of these drugs is abused, it can lead to much bigger problems. 

Knowing all the risks, it’s important to know how to avoid prescription abuse and get help.

What to Avoid

There are several measures one can take to avoid the risk of abusing prescription drugs. People using prescription drugs should carefully follow the instructions on the medicine label. You should always consult your doctor if you want a higher dose or want to continue using the medication. You should also never use prescription drugs from someone else or share your prescription drugs with others (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2011).

Understanding the medicine you’re taking also helps prevent prescription abuse. Make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects or drug interactions to better understand how the medication will affect your body (Mayo Clinic, 2022). If you think you have a problem with prescription drug use, you should always talk with a healthcare professional.

In Conclusion

Prescription medications serve an important purpose in treating medical conditions, but when misused or abused, they can lead to serious health risks, addiction, and even have life-threatening consequences. The distinction between proper use, misuse, and abuse is critical in understanding the potential dangers. While over the counter and prescription drugs are both regulated for safety, they must always be taken according to their intended use to avoid harmful effects. The dangers of drug misuse and abuse, including the risks associated with opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants highlight the need for awareness and prevention.

Following medical guidelines, consulting healthcare professionals, and educating ourselves about the effects of these drugs are essential steps in reducing the risk of prescription drug abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug misuse, seeking help from a medical professional is the best course of action. By staying informed and making responsible choices, we can protect ourselves and others from the harmful consequences of prescription drug abuse.

Resources

• TTU Student Wellness Center
  • 806.743.2848 | studenthealthservices@ttuhsc.edu | 1003 Flint (Corner of Flint and Main) Lubbock, TX 79409
• Center for Students in Addiction Recovery
  • 806.742.2891 | hs.webmaster@ttu.edu | 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX
• Student Counseling Center
  • 806.742.3674 | StudentCounselingCenter@ttu.edu | Second floor of the Student Wellness Center

References

Addiction Center. (2024). Over-The-counter (OTC) Drug Addiction, Abuse, And Treatment. 

Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2025). What are Depressants?. 

Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2025). What are Opioids?.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2025). What are Stimulants?.

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Prescription drug abuse. 

Montgomery County PA. (n.d.) Teen Prescription Drug Abuse. 

National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics. 

National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). (2008). Introduction to Drug Misuse. 

National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2023). How can prescription drug misuse be prevented? 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: Questions & Answers. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). The FDA’s Drug Review Process: Ensuring Drugs Are Safe and Effective. 

 

Back to All Posts