Chapter 7: Problem 3

Recall Information When does drug use become drug abuse? Why do people abuse drugs?

Short Answer

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Drug use becomes drug abuse when the consumption becomes frequent, reckless, resulting in physical or mental harm or for non-medical purposes. People abuse drugs for different reasons, which include seeking pleasure, reducing stress, succumbing to peer pressure, or self-medicating for mental health disorders.

Step by step solution

Clarify the Concepts

In order to correctly answer the question, one needs to understand the difference between drug use and drug abuse. Drug use refers to the consumption of drugs or medications as prescribed or intended. This use is considered 'abuse' when it becomes frequent, reckless, and harmful where the individual indulges in drugs for non-medical reasons, resulting in physical or mental harm.

Understanding Drug Abuse

People abuse drugs for a variety of reasons. Some of them may include: seeking pleasure and high sensations, reducing stress or escaping reality, peer pressure or the need to fit in socially, and self-medication or trying to deal with other problems like anxiety or depression. It is vital to note that drug abuse can lead to addiction, a harmful, chronic disorder characterized by compulsively taking drugs despite harmful consequences.

Answering the Question

After understanding the core concepts about drug use and drug abuse, we can now effectively answer the question: Drug use becomes drug abuse when it is frequent, reckless, resulting in physical or mental harm or is for non-medical purposes. People may abuse drugs for several reasons like seeking pleasure, reducing stress, peer pressure, and self-medicating for mental health disorders.

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Recall Information When does drug use become drug abuse? Why do people abuse drugs?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Clarify the Concepts

Understanding Drug Abuse

Answering the Question

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