What does the term 'nonmedical use' apply to regarding prescription medications?

The term 'nonmedical use' regarding prescription medications encompasses a range of activities that deviate from the intended, prescribed use of the medication. Specifically, using medications above the amounts prescribed falls under this definition because it signifies that the individual is not adhering to the recommended guidelines established for their safe use. This could involve taking larger doses than indicated, which poses significant risks to health and safety.

While other choices may capture aspects of nonmedical use, they do not encompass the broader definition as effectively. For instance, using prescription medications solely for recreational purposes is a subset of nonmedical use but does not represent all the ways in which someone might misuse a prescription. Similarly, prescribing medications to others or purchasing medications without a prescription also involve illegal or inappropriate behaviors related to prescription drugs but are not as representative of the concept of nonmedical use itself, which primarily highlights the misuse in terms of dosage and administration. Therefore, using medications above prescribed amounts effectively captures the essence of nonmedical use in a way that aligns with the broader implications for patient safety and potential substance abuse.