Did you know that in 2020, around 284 million people around the world aged 15-64 were drug users?
Whether as a habit or through addiction, there’s a stigma to overcome by seeking help. Many don’t like to admit when they need to seek treatment for their issues.
However, drug abuse vs misuse is an important consideration to make, both for your safety and the safety of others. Understanding the differences between these two concepts from the start will help you move forward if you’re struggling.
We’ll be focusing exclusively on the differences between drug abuse and misuse. So, keep reading!
The Recurring Problem
Despite the seriousness of both drug abuse and misuse, drug abuse is the more recurring problem. This is likely because drug abuse is more likely to lead to addiction and other health problems.
Therefore, it is crucial to address drug abuse in order to reduce the number of people who suffer from addiction and other health problems.
The Illegal Substance Involvement
In the context of illegal substance involvement, drug abuse refers to the use of illicit drugs for non-medical purposes. Drug abuse is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
Drug misuse, on the other hand, is the use of legal drugs in a way that is not intended or recommended by the manufacturer such as Native American substance abuse.
The Consequences
Drug abuse costs the US economy billions of dollars in lost productivity, healthcare costs, and law enforcement expenditures. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and affect not only the misuser but also society as a whole.
The most immediate consequence of drug abuse is the health and safety of the user. Drug abuse can lead to serious health problems, including overdose, organ damage, and mental health problems. It can also lead to accidents and violence.
Drug abuse can tear families apart and lead to financial ruin. Friends and family members of drug abusers often suffer from emotional stress and may be at risk for violence and theft. Misusers also increase the risk of crime and violence in communities.
The Harmfulness
The difference between drug abuse and misuse is often misunderstood. Drug abuse is when a person uses a drug regularly, even when it is harmful to their health.
Misuse is when a person uses a drug in a way that is not intended, such as using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Both drug abuse and misuse can lead to harmful addiction and other lethal health problems.
The Result
Drug abuse results in addiction, while drug misuse can lead to health problems and even death. Drug abuse is a serious problem that needs to be treated.
Misuse of drugs is often not taken as seriously, but it can have just as deadly effects.
Understand the Difference Between Drug Abuse vs Misuse Today
You now understand the difference between drug abuse vs misuse. Drug abuse is a recurring brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
Drug misuse is simply using a drug in a way that is not intended. For instance, taking prescription medication for reasons other than those for which it was prescribed.
If you or someone you know is misusing drugs, it’s crucial to get help before the abuse starts.
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