Many young Hollywood stars abuse prescription medications; however, in recent years, abusing prescription pills has returned fatal results. Anna Nicole Smith and Heath Ledger both died because they abused pills. In light of such a dangerous habit, take these tips to heart when taking your prescription medications.

• Understand the level of addiction.
Of course, always take your medications only as prescribed. Also, know that there is a likelihood of addiction should you not follow your doctor’s orders. This is not advice only for painkillers. If taken outside doctor’s order, even an antihistamine can be addictive.

• Never take medication that is not your own.
Remember the old saying, “Just Say No.” It applies to prescription pills as well as illegal drugs. If someone offers you a painkiller that is not an over-the-counter, just say no. Studies show that some painkillers are highly addictive, so it is best not to even go down that path.

• Always disclose any other drugs you may be taking.
Many prescription medicines have adverse effects with other pharmaceuticals. If you have more than one doctor, always make sure every doctor knows what prescriptions you are taking. Further, always know whether a medication will adversely react with alcohol. Also, disclose to your doctor any illegal drugs that you may be taking. Illegal drugs, when mixed with prescription medicines may also increase risk of overdose. In most cases, these conversations will fall under patient-doctor confidentiality, so don’t be scared of the implications of your conversation. In the end, your doctor’s job is to keep you safe, and by telling her, she’ll be able to do just that.

With the media abuzz with celebrity overdoses, it’s no wonder that pills can be intimidating. However, if you follow these tips and do careful research on your medications, you can avoid addiction while allowing your medications to keep you healthy.