For me, if I'm using a medication as prescribed by a physician for a specific problem, then I'm using the medication correctly. If I'm using it for any other reason, then for me its abuse. An example...I was having nerve pain in my arm due to multiple sclerosis. Since I'm an alcoholic, I prefer not to take narcotics so my doctor prescribed amytriptiline (I can't spell that). Anyway, it's mainly used as an anti-depressant, but has been known to help nerve pain. She gave me a months supply with a refill. Towards the end of the month, my massage therapist fixed the pain in my arm, but my doctor said to finish the prescription. I started making sure I took it before bed so I could sleep. Once I realized that I was taking it to sleep, and not for nerve pain anymore, I quit taking it, because I was taking a prescription medication for something other than the way it was prescribed. Another example, I had two teeth pulled and was given Tylenol 3 with codeine. I cut them in half with my sponsor and would only take a half when I felt pain coming on. One night I'm laying in bed thinking "I should take a pill in case the pain comes after I fall asleep. But I'm not in pain now...but I might be later...." I got up and flushed the pills. For me, I guard my sobriety with hyper vigilence. I won't even take Nyquil. I speak only about myself, but it's the only way I know to try to answer your question. If you're concerned about becoming addicted to the meds, as yourself when you take them, "Am I taking these for the reason my doctor prescribed, am I following my doctors direction?" If not, then maybe it's time to talk to your doctor about another sort of medication that can be taken when bouts of depression flair up, medication for depression and not pain.

Hope that helps....
Rayna