In simple words, a prescription drug is used properly when taken according to the instructions of a doctor who knows your health card well. This also requires taking the right dose at the right time, in the right way and for the right medical reason. Still, unwanted or unexpected signs may appear. If this happens, talk to your doctor right away. He or she may change the prescription or remove the medication altogether. The same principle applies to over-the-counter medications: use them only when you really need them and follow the written instructions carefully.

People play with fire when they take medication for the wrong reason, disregard dosage guidelines, use medications that have been given to someone else, or do not take them properly. For example, some steps need to be completely swallowed so that the active ingredient is slowly released into the body. Abusers often disrupt this process by crushing or chewing it, opening it, squeezing and sucking it, or dissolving it in water and then injecting it. At the moment the consequence is a state of euphoria or haunting, but this may be the first step towards addiction. But even worse, it can be deadly.

On the other hand, if someone is taking a prescription drug in the right way, but suspects that they are becoming addicted, they should talk to their doctor as soon as possible. The doctor needs to know what is the best way to deal with this situation without neglecting the health problem.