Drug Abuse

The Facts

Drug abuse is defined as drug use that's excessive or serious enough to interfere with a person's health, relationships with family and friends, work, and finances. It also involves using or taking a drug in harmful ways, such as using prescription drugs to relieve problems or symptoms in ways not prescribed by a doctor.

Depressants (e.g., alcohol and barbiturates), stimulant drugs (e.g., amphetamines), hallucinogenic drugs (e.g., LSD), and narcotics (e.g., cocaine, codeine, and morphine) are the most commonly abused drugs. Anabolic steroids are sometimes abused in order to improve athletic performance.

Causes

The causes of drug abuse aren't clear, although there are many factors that are thought to play a role. Heredity, peer pressure, the properties and effects of the drug, and the drug user's personality can all play a part in drug abuse. Some studies show that people dependent on alcohol are genetically more able to tolerate alcohol than other people. Many people believe there is an "addictive personality", although there is evidence that an "addictive personality" is a result, and not a cause, of drug abuse. An "addictive personality" often is associated with poor self-esteem, trouble relating to people, a low tolerance for frustration, and a desire to escape reality.

Some believe that people with drug addictions are overly dependent on other people. Sometimes family and friends of the person dependent on drugs make excuses for their behavior or act in other ways which allow them to continue their drug abuse. These family or friends are referred to as "co-dependents" or "enablers".

All drugs affect a "reward mechanism" in the brain. Each time the person uses a drug, they feel good, which makes them want to use the drug again. This common feature could explain part of why people abuse drugs.