Explored the psychosocial factors, prevalence, motivations, withdrawal symptoms, behavior under the influence of the drug, and health status of 86 Egyptian men (aged 22-48 yrs) who were abusing prescription drugs containing codeine. Young Ss, illiterates, and agricultural wworkers were found to be the most susceptible to prescription codeine abuse (PCA). Withdrawal symptoms included headaches, dizziness, and depression. Ss reported that PCA increased their work motivation, vitality, and self-confidence, and facilitated their social interactions with others. Ss suffered from a wide range of physical illnesses, including asthma, heartburn, and chronic bronchitis.