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The nonmedical use of prescription psychotherapeutics primarily involves the consumption of medications that are typically prescribed to treat various mental health conditions or disorders. This category includes pain relievers, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives that are often prescribed to manage issues such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other psychological or behavioral concerns.
When individuals use these medications without medical supervision or for purposes other than their intended use, it constitutes nonmedical use. For instance, someone might take stimulants intended for ADHD to enhance focus or energy, or tranquilizers to achieve a calming effect for recreational purposes.
Other options do not accurately encompass the definition of nonmedical use of prescription psychotherapeutics. Over-the-counter drugs, non-prescription stimulants, and herbal medicines do not fall under the category of prescription medications and thus are not classified as prescription psychotherapeutics.