Many people claim they only use drugs or alcohol recreationally and therefore don’t have a problem. The truth is that there are blurry lines between casual use and dependency, leaving many people wondering how to define drug abuse. If you worry that someone you love has a problem, you’ll find the following information helpful.
Define Drug Abuse
Medical dictionaries sometimes define drug abuse as the habitual or routine use of illicit substances. However, drug abuse can occur even when people use drugs only occasionally. For example, individuals may consume medications in higher amounts than their physician prescribes, or use large amounts of drugs at one time. Both of these instances involve the abuse of drugs.
Drug abuse and drug addiction are similar, but they aren’t the same things. Those who abuse drugs may not yet be dependent on them but are nonetheless at risk for becoming so. If possible, these individuals should seek treatment before their problem morphs into something more serious.
Why do People Abuse Drugs?
Aside from knowing how to define drug abuse, it is also important to understand why people misuse substances in the first place. Many users begin experimenting with drugs out of curiosity and enjoy the results so much that they continue using. Before long, their drug use becomes a habit.
Some drug abusers fall into a trap quite innocently after receiving prescription opioids. After taking their medication for some time, many will build a tolerance and subsequently increase their dosage. They might even rely on street versions to “boost” their effects or provide much-needed relief when prescriptions are unavailable.
Many drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine provide very intense feelings of euphoria that wear off after only a few hours. Once those effects dissipate, people may immediately want to use again. They may tell themselves that drug use will happen “just one more time,” but few of them ever really stick with that promise.
Our Programs
If you or a loved one meets the above drug abuse definition, you could benefit from one of our programs such as:
- Ecstasy rehab
- Heroin/opiates rehab
- Marijuana rehab
- Methamphetamine rehab
- Cocaine/crack cocaine rehab
- Prescription drug rehab
At our Scottsdale, Arizona facility, we offer unique programs for men and women. Experience shows that males and females have unique reasons for abusing drugs, and will therefore respond to treatment differently. Segregation by gender allows us to provide a safe, comfortable environment in which to get well.
Contact Pinnacle Peak Recovery Today!
Do you or a friend show signs of drug abuse? If so, get your life back on track by seeking drug addiction treatment at Pinnacle Peak Recovery. Contact us at 866-377-4761 to take the next step.
