The definition of prescription drug abuse is using a drug in a manner other than as prescribed, by a person for whom it was not prescribed, to get a special experience. Many people, especially adolescents and young adults, have begun to abuse prescription medications. Some people are at increased genetic risk of developing drug addiction, but environmental factors such as economic level, lack of employment and peer pressure also have a significant impact. The abuse of these medications has harmful side effects for the person abusing them, but can also affect those around them. They are more likely to experience difficulties in many areas of their lives, including problems with family, friends or work colleagues. Abusers often go to the doctor's office or visit several different doctors to get prescriptions from each one so they can get a large amount of their medication. They are also more likely to get in trouble with the law due to buying drugs on the street or an increased tendency to steal in order to buy more. People who abuse prescription medications are more likely to steal medications from family members or friends who have been prescribed the medications. The most commonly abused prescription medications are painkillers. Throughout history, people have attempted to find ways to relieve their pain with the first records dating back to the 4th or 5th century BC. As early as 3400 BC, the Egyptians, Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians cultivated the opium poppy. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, left behind records of pain-relieving treatments, which included the use of willow leaves and bark to treat headaches, fevers, and pain. In the 16th century, laudanum which is opium prepared in an alcohol vat......middle of paper......is. “medical health”. MDWeb. Np, August 10, 2005. Internet. December 1, 2011. .Zachariah, Holly. “The illegal trade in prescription drugs is now epidemic.” dispatch from Columbus February 7, 10, n. page. Print. Rabiner, David. “Misuse and abuse of stimulant medications; what do we know?” 18 4 2004: 1-3. Internet. December 5, 2011. Tucker, Cummings. “the history of painkillers.” ehow. Np, and Web. October 26, 2011. “Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Np, and Web. November 5, 2011. “Oxycodone.” Caesar. 2 5 2005: no. page. Internet. December 5. 2011. .