Prescription drug abuse in the United States represents about 25-30% of the overall drug problem. A common myth is that prescription drugs are safer when abused, or the fact that physicians prescribe pharmaceuticals, and pharmacists dispense them, therefore they are not as potentially harmful as illicit drugs. The truth is that these drugs are very safe, but only when properly prescribed by a practitioner and dispensed by a pharmacist, and then taken as prescribed.

It is important to note that prescription drugs can be every bit as abused as illicit "street" drugs. In fact, some of the latest national data indicates that prescription drugs rank second only to marijuana as the most abused drugs in the United States.

The pharmaceutical industry today provides us with an incredible array of effective and safe prescription drugs. These drugs make our life more comfortable; keep us from serious illness or even death. The problem is that people can become addicted to the medication if abused, or decide to use pharmaceuticals recreationally. However, it should always be remembered that the vast majority of people prescribed prescription drugs take them as directed, and do not abuse their medication.

This is why it is essential to strictly follow your physician and pharmacist's instructions when prescribed a pharmaceutical drug. You should also know that it is illegal, and a felony in the State of Ohio to sell or give your medication to another person. In addition to the potential legal problems, it may cause serious medical consequences for the person receiving your medication.