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Drug abuse

Drug  abuse is more correctly referred to by the medical profession as substance abuse, but for the ordinary person drug abuse gives a clearer picture for many of the common drugs.

Drug abuse occurs when drugs are used for pleasure in an addictive way. What starts off as an experiment soon becomes and addiction and a real illness.

Drug abuse can lead to many harmful effects on the body.  But drug abuse is also well recognized as a cause of deteriorating relationships especially marriage breakdown.  Drug abuse is also associated with increases in crime, violence and unemployment.

 Drug is a depressant and drug abuse is a common cause of depression.  Although typically the drug user will see taking the drug as a way of relieving their depression.

Drug abuse can be treated, and this would most safely involve a supervised medical drug detoxification followed by a period of rehab at a drug rehabilitation centre.

This Glossary article was created on 10th January 2010