In 2010, the latest statistics available, about 2.4 million Americans had used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons for the first time. About a third of them were teens ages 12 to 17. The NIDA says that adults 18 to 25 are the age group most likely to abuse prescription drugs. But older adults are at higher risk for misuse of prescription drugs because they take more medications than younger people.

Strong painkillers are prescribed for moderate to severe pain that is present day in and day out. Over time, a strong painkiller can lead to a physical dependence, which means that your body has become used to the presence of the drug and will develop symptoms of withdrawal if the drug is suddenly stopped. Physical dependence can develop for certain medications when used over a long period of time even when they are used appropriately. If dependence occurs, the medication can be stopped gradually, by slowly decreasing the dose. Addiction, however, refers to a compulsive craving for the medication or drug. People who are addicted can’t quit without help.

Most people don’t become addicted to a medication while they’re using it for a legitimate purpose and taking it as directed. To help prevent problems, you should never stop taking or change how you’re taking a medication without first talking with your doctor. Don’t use another person’s prescription. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, make sure that he or she knows about all other medicines, herbs, and dietary supplements you take.

The NIDA says that the most commonly abused prescription drugs fall into these three types:

• Opioids, which are painkillers like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone
• Central nervous system depressants, which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders
• Stimulants, which are often prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Once addiction occurs, however, it can be as deadly as addiction to certain street drugs. For instance, people who abuse oxycodone, sold as OxyContin, may snort or inject it, greatly boosting their risk for overdose and other medical complications.

Another sign is trying to get two different doctors to give you prescriptions for the same medication at the same time. Yet another is switching pharmacies to make it harder for professionals to track how much of the drug you're getting.

About 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and their doctors struggle with how to provide pain relief without the risk for dependence or addiction. Alternatives to pain medication vary in how well they work, but range from relaxation and meditation or acupuncture and massage.

The combinations can be fatal, particularly with medications such as opioids and central nervous system depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Work with your doctor, a substance-abuse counselor, or a mental health professional, any of whom can see you through safely. Treatment may include a combination of detoxification, counseling, and other medications.