Lexic.us

Definition of Drug abuse

1. Noun. Excessive use of drugs.

Definition of Drug abuse

1. Noun. Misuse of, or overindulgence in, drugs; substance abuse. (defdate from 20th c.) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Drug abuse

1. Use of a drug for a reason other than which it was intended or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. Drug dependence is a compulsion to take a drug to produce a desired effect or prevent unpleasant effects when the drug is withheld. Risk factors for drug abuse include: low self esteem, inability to deal with stress and emotional instability. Juveniles use drugs due to peer pressure. Signs of drug use in children include: a change in friends or group, long absences from home, poor performance in school, seclusion, stealing, lying, criminal behaviour, deteriorating family relationships, signs of drug intoxication and changes in behaviour. Commonly abused drugs include narcotic analgesic agents, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, LSD and phencyclidine. Many labs now offer quick and inexpensive urine drug screening. Psychological counseling and parental support will be necessary in children with this problem. (27 Sep 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Drug Abuse

Literary usage of Drug abuse

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Drug Addiction Research & the Health of Women edited by Cora L. Wetherington (1999)
"She presented data on the epidemiology of drug use and drug abuse ... There is a well-developed sequence from licit drug use to illicit drug abuse. ..."

2. Technologies for Understanding and Preventing Substance Abuse and Addiction by DIANE Publishing Company (1996)
"Cocaine and nicotine (described above) are also central nervous system simulants. s According to the National Institute on drug abuse, designer drugs are ..."

3. Drug Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities edited by Andrea Kopstein (1998)
"drug abuse Warning Network DAWN was operated by the Drug Enforcement ... DAWN is a large-scale, ongoing, drug abuse data collection system based on ..."

4. Prevention Plus II: Tools for Creating and Sustaining Drug-Free Communities (1994)
"24th Street Phoenix 85008 (602) 220-6455 Arkansas Paul T. Behnke, Director Office on Alcohol and drug abuse Prevention Donaghey Plaza, North, ..."

5. Maintaining Budgetary Discipline: Spending and Revenue Options edited by Sherry Snyder (1999)
"About 1.1 % (representing about 2.4 million persons) received treatment for drug abuse and about 1.6% (representing about 3.4 million persons) received ..."

6. National Drug Control Strategy: A Nation Responds to Drug Use (1992)
"California Ms. Anne D. Robertson Director Division of Alcohol and drug abuse Department of Mental Health State of Mississippi Mr. Luis Rivera Roman Advisor ..."

Other Resources: