List two signs that may indicate someone is abusing prescription medications.

• A. Taking meds exactly as prescribed; no refills
• B. Taking meds outside prescribed guidelines; seeking early refills
• C. Having perfect adherence to schedule
• D. Using only over-the-counter meds

Answer: (B)

When looking for signs of prescription medication abuse, focus on patterns of how the person uses and obtains the meds. The two clear indicators are taking meds outside the prescribed guidelines and seeking early refills. Taking meds outside guidelines means using higher doses, taking them more often, or using them in ways not intended (for example, crushing and taking pills, mixing with alcohol). This shows a deviation from safe, physician-directed use and raises risk for harm and dependency. Seeking early refills suggests the person is losing or using up meds faster than planned, which can indicate misuse, attempts to obtain more medication, or developing tolerance. The other options describe proper use or non-prescription products, which do not signal prescription medication abuse.