What is a common reason for the misuse of prescribed pain relievers?

The misuse of prescribed pain relievers primarily stems from the desire to get high. Many individuals may misuse these medications due to their psychoactive properties, as they can produce feelings of euphoria or relaxation. This misuse often occurs when people take higher doses than prescribed or use them without a legitimate medical need, leading to dependency and potential addiction.

While pain relievers can sometimes be used inappropriately for other reasons, such as to relieve headaches or improve mood, these motivations often do not drive widespread misuse in the same way that the pursuit of euphoria does. Enhancing athletic performance is generally associated with other types of drugs, such as anabolic steroids, rather than typical pain relievers. Therefore, the overwhelming trend in the misuse of pain relievers is linked to the allure of their euphoric effects, making the pursuit of getting high a significant concern in the context of substance abuse and public health.