What does misuse of medications mean in the context of AOD?

• A. Using medicines in ways not prescribed or without medical supervision.
• B. Using medicines exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• C. Sharing medicines with friends when they ask for them.
• D. Storing medicines in a way that makes them less accessible.

Answer: (A)

Misuse of medications means not using a medicine the way it was prescribed—taking it without medical supervision, in the wrong dose, at the wrong time, or for reasons other than treating a condition. It includes taking someone else’s prescription, taking higher amounts to feel better or to get high, or mixing medicines with alcohol or other drugs. These actions raise the risk of harm, including bad side effects, dangerous interactions, dependence, or overdose. Proper use is following the healthcare professional’s instructions exactly, so the other options describe safe use, unsafe sharing, or storage issues, not misuse.