What is Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications given by a doctor to treat specific health conditions. These drugs include painkillers, antibiotics, sedatives, and stimulants, and must be taken according to a medical prescription.

While useful when used properly, prescription drugs can be misused to get high or enhance performance. Misuse includes taking someone else’s pills, taking too much, or using the drug differently than prescribed (like crushing and snorting tablets).

This kind of misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or serious health problems. Commonly misused prescription drugs include opioids (like oxycodone), stimulants (like Adderall), and sedatives (like Xanax).

Multiple prescription bottles with spilled pills showing different medications and labels on a countertop

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❓Frequently Asked Questions about Prescription Drugs

1. What is prescription drugs used for?
They are used to treat pain, anxiety, infections, and other medical conditions under doctor supervision.

2. Why is prescription drugs dangerous?
If misused, they can lead to addiction, organ damage, or overdose.

3. What does it look like?
Prescription drugs come in pill bottles, blister packs, or vials, often with labels showing dosage and patient name.

4. Can someone take it without knowing?
Yes, pills may be shared or disguised, and children may take them by accident.

5. How can someone avoid misuse?
Only use medications prescribed for you, store them safely, and dispose of unused pills properly.