Question

joel had knee surgery and his doctor prescribed opiate painkillers for the pain. which scenario would most likely lead to prescription drug abuse?

joel takes the painkillers in a method that was only recommended by his doctor.
joel tells his friend who also has knee pain that a doctor gave him painkillers.
joel takes other painkillers in addition to the prescribed pain killers.
joel takes the painkillers for the first few days and throws away the rest.

Explanation:

Define prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse means taking a medication in a way or dose other than prescribed.

Analyze the first scenario

Taking painkillers exactly as recommended by a doctor is safe medical practice.

Analyze the second scenario

Sharing information about a prescription with a friend is not drug abuse.

Analyze the third scenario

Taking additional unprescribed painkillers alongside prescribed ones is dangerous and constitutes abuse.

Analyze the fourth scenario

Stopping medication early and safely disposing of the remainder does not constitute abuse.

Answer:

• Joel takes the painkillers in a method that was only recommended by his doctor.
• Joel tells his friend who also has knee pain that a doctor gave him painkillers.
• Joel takes other painkillers in addition to the prescribed pain killers. (Correct answer)
• Joel takes the painkillers for the first few days and throws away the rest.