| Health / Medical Topics |
Drug Abuse
Pronunciation
Definition 1
The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in large amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
The use of a drug for a reason other than which it was intended or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Drug abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year drug abuse causes millions of serious illnesses or injuries among Americans. Abused drugs include
• Amphetamines
• Anabolic steroids
• Club drugs
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Inhalants
• Marijuana
• Prescription drugs
Drug abuse also plays a role in many major social problems, such as drugged driving, violence, stress, and child abuse. Drug abuse can lead to homelessness, crime, and missed work or problems with keeping a job. It harms unborn babies and destroys families. There are different types of treatment for drug abuse. But the best is to prevent drug abuse in the first place. (NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Also called: Narcotics, Opiates, Hallucinogens
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