This publication answers questions about the consequences of abusing commonly prescribed medications including opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants. In addition to offering information on what research says about how certain medications affect the brain and body, this publication also discusses treatment options. It examines prescription drug abuse in older adults as well as in adolescents and young adults, and discusses sex differences in this abuse. The roles of health care providers, pharmacists, and patients in the prevention and detection of prescription drug abuse are presented. This publication was developed to help health care providers discuss the consequences of prescription drug abuse with their patients. According to a recent national survey of primary care physicians and patients regarding substance abuse, 46.6% of physicians find it difficult to discuss prescription drug abuse with their patients. (MKA)