What Is Drug Abuse?

Often, it is hard to define the differences between drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction. Some argue that the three are incredibly similar and often overlapping, but there are specific distinctions that should be noted. Asking what is drug abuse can help answer important questions about use, addiction, and substance abuse treatment.

What is Drug Use vs. What is Drug Abuse

Anytime that individuals use illegal drugs, or they consume a controlled substance inappropriately, it is considered abuse. While these users may see negative side effects, it is not necessarily considered to be abuse or a disorder after a single instance.

It is the pattern that can make drug use become drug abuse. Specifically, when users note the negative consequences of taking certain substances but still repeat their behavior.

Even legal drugs can be abused. Prescription drugs like opioids are commonly used when prescribed for chronic pain. It may be you or a loved one abusing your prescription. There are also common occurrences of over-the-counter medications like cough syrup being used outside of their intended purpose to create a sense of euphoria.

Drug abuse is using a higher dosage of a drug or for a different purpose than intended. If you or a loved one has a habit of abusing drugs, please reach out to a drug rehab center for a personalized treatment plan.

Classifying a Substance Use Disorder

When substance abuse affects the family, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are several factors that can help answer the question, “What is drug abuse?” Most of the symptoms of a substance abuse disorder can fit into four categories, which are pharmacological criteria, social impairment, impaired control, and risky use.

When individuals display more than one of the symptoms below, then medical professionals will typically classify their behavior as drug abuse.

• Dose increases over time
• Inability to cut back
• Lots of time devoted to drug procurement or use
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms after missing regular consumption
• Other priorities fade compared to drug use
• Continued use despite resulting legal, financial or relationship problems
• Strong cravings to use the substance

Treating Drug Abuse

Identifying drug abuse using the signs and criteria above makes it easier to know when you, or someone you love, could be at risk for a substance abuse disorder. From there, it is important to seek out professional addiction treatment. Often, drug abuse is linked to addiction and chemical dependency, so trying to overcome that without medical supervision may not be successful.

Treating drug abuse typically starts with quitting consumption altogether in what is known as a detox. To maintain that sobriety, rehab is an integral component of recovery. During rehab, patients can participate in individual behavioral therapy, group counseling, and holistic therapies that work to improve overall health and prevent relapse in the future.

Drug abuse treatment is highly specialized depending on the drug consumed. The following programs individualize treatment:

• Heroin addiction rehab program
• Opiate or opioid addiction rehab program
• Cocaine addiction rehab program
• Benzo addiction rehab program
• Xanax addiction rehab program
• Prescription drug addiction rehab program

Drug Abuse Treatment at Beaches Recovery

Answering the question, “What is drug abuse?” often leads to the realization that many drug users are also drug abusers. Thankfully, you can put an end to drug abuse through the following programs at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville FL:

• Drug detox at our partner facility, Tides Edge
• Residential drug rehab in Jacksonville
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Dual diagnosis treatment program
• Men’s and women’s drug abuse treatment

Contact us by calling 866.605.0532 to embrace sobriety and end drug abuse in your life for good.