AbstractThis article presents current statistics on nonmedical use of both categories of prescription medications by high school and college students. The incidence of nonmedical use of prescription medications continues to increase among high school and college students. Two categories of drugs that are commonly used for reasons other than those for which the drugs are prescribed are those used for pain and those prescribed for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Demographic and behavioral characteristics of students who are most likely to engage in intentional abuse of stimulants and pain medications as well as stated motivations for use are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.