Drug Use Disorders

Drug abuse is the use of a mind-altering drug without medical need in an amount large enough or over a period long enough to threaten the quality of life or health and safety of the user or others.  Many people use drugs without medical need but keep that use under control so that it does not threaten their health or adversely affect their functioning.  

 

Drug use disorder may include the abuse/dependence of heroin, prescription narcotics, cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants, hallucinogens, sedative hypnotics, marijuana, and other substances of abuse.

 

Taking a drug that does not usually alter the mind is still considered abusive if the drug is taken without medical need and if the drug endangers the quality of life or health and safety of the user or others.  Drug abuse occurs in all socio-economic groups and involves highly educated and professional people as well as those who are uneducated and unemployed.

 

Many drugs, some legal and some not, alter the mind. Some mind-altering drugs affect brain function each time they are used, regardless of how much is used. Other mind-altering drugs affect brain function only if a large amount is used or if it is used continually. Some drugs affect the brain in such a way that a person wants or feels a need to use the drug again and again (craving).

 

Overdose of a drug may occur as part of abuse. With some drugs, an overdose may be profoundly frightening or even fatal.  The problems created by use of mind-altering drugs are given many different terms, for example, drug abuse, drug dependence, and drug addiction.