Prescription drug abuse and dependence can lead to civil and criminal liability for the drug abuser and the provider/prescriber. The laws relating to the disposition of individuals who are convicted of possession of prescription drugs lack specific consideration of the mitigating circumstances that usually accompany prescription drug abuse. In contrast, an often elaborate and complicated regulatory scheme covers medical professionals' provision of prescription drugs to the ultimate users. These regulations are designed to define narrowly the circumstances under which an individual can lawfully obtain prescription drugs and to provide for license revocation and suspension for violation of the regulations. The regulations covering the making and administration of prescription drugs cover the entire spectrum of potential conduct by practitioners. However, the unique imitation and recurrence characteristics of abuse and dependence related to prescription drugs indicate the need for legislation that addresses these characteristics and focuses on prevention and rehabilitation linked to users' legal dispositions. Tables, note, and 19 references