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 excessive amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.
What are the major types of drug abuse?
- Marijuana Use. Marijuana remains the most commonly used illegal drug: Approximately 80 percent of current illicit drug users are marijuana or hashish users. ...
- Cocaine Use. ...
- Heroin Use. ...
- Methamphetamine Use. ...
- Nicotine Use (Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco) ...
- Inhalant Use. ...
- Hallucinogen Use. ...
- Anabolic Steroid Use.
What defines drug abuse?
Drug abuse occurs when people take drugs for purposes other than for which they are intended , usually for their psychoactive effects.
What is drug abuse and its effect?
Drug abuse can affect several aspects of a person’s physical and psychological health. Certain drugs can lead to drowsiness and slow breathing , while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations. Chronic drug use is associated with cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease.
What is the difference between drug abuse and substance abuse?
Substance abuse is a broad term that includes drug abuse. Abuse of any substance can cause chemical changes in the brain that can lead to addiction . Often, the terms drug abuse and substance abuse are used interchangeably.
What are the 6 types of substance abuse disorders?
- Opioid Use Disorder.
- Marijuana Use Disorder.
- Nicotine Use Disorder.
- Stimulant Use Disorder.
- Sedative Use Disorder.
- Hallucinogen Use Disorder.
- Alcohol Use Disorder.
What are the 4 types of drugs?
- stimulants (e.g. cocaine)
- depressants (e.g. alcohol)
- opium-related painkillers (e.g. heroin)
- hallucinogens (e.g. LSD)
What are positive effects of drugs?
Pleasure is not just physical
Pleasure is an obvious part of drug use and the short-term physical benefits are well known. Drugs can produce a “high”, give people energy , make them feel good, reduce stress and aid sleep.
How can drugs affect your life?
Studies show that drug use increases your risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. People with mental health issues also have a higher rate of drug use problems.
How do drugs affect the brain?
Drugs alter the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information . They do this by (1) imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers, (2) by over-stimulating the “reward circuit” of the brain, (3) flooding the brain with excess chemicals, and (4) binding to receptors in the brain.
What is the main cause of drug abuse?
Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress , and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk.
What are the three most common forms of substance abuse?
- Alcohol.
- Marijuana.
- Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills.
- Methamphetamine.
- Cocaine.
- Opiates.
- Hallucinogens.
- Inhalants.
What is the most common type of substance use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is still the most common form of substance use disorder in America, fueled by widespread legal access and social approval of moderate drinking. Many Americans begin drinking at an early age.
What are the 7 types of drugs?
- (1) Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants. CNS depressants slow down the operations of the brain and the body. ...
- (2) CNS Stimulants. ...
- (3) Hallucinogens. ...
- (4) Dissociative Anesthetics. ...
- (5) Narcotic Analgesics. ...
- (6) Inhalants. ...
- (7) Cannabis.
Is caffeine a drug?
Caffeine is a drug that stimulates (increases the activity of) your brain and nervous system . Caffeine is found in many drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks.
What drug slows down?
Depressants slow down activity in the central nervous system of your body. These drugs are also called “downers” because they slow the body down and seem to give feelings of relaxation. Depressants are available as prescription drugs to relieve stress and anger, although drowsiness is often a side effect.
