What Is Drug Misuse?
In This Article
Drug misuse is a significant public health issue. This can include taking medications in doses other than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or consuming substances for non-medical reasons.
It’s important to learn about drug misuse for early intervention, which can prevent the escalation to more severe forms of substance abuse, such as addiction. Our goal is to help anyone with concerns regarding substance misuse by sharing as much information as possible about the topic.
What is Drug Misuse?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug misuse is the use of a substance for a purpose that isn’t consistent with legal or medical guidelines. It can lead to negative impacts on health or functioning.
Drug misuse can include drug dependence or be part of a broader spectrum of problematic behaviors.
Examples of drug misuse include:
- Incorrect doses: Taking more of a medication than prescribed, such as doubling a painkiller dose to manage severe pain.
- Wrong timing: Using a drug at times not recommended by a healthcare provider, like taking a sleeping pill during the day.
- Non-prescribed use: Using medication prescribed to someone else, for example, taking a friend’s anxiety medication to calm nerves.
- Recreational use: Consuming drugs to get high, such as snorting prescription stimulants intended for ADHD treatment.
Differences Between Drug Misuse and Abuse
Understanding the distinction between drug misuse and drug abuse allows people to recognize the spectrum of substance-related issues.
Drug misuse refers to the inappropriate use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. This includes:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using medication for purposes other than intended (e.g., using painkillers to achieve a euphoric effect)
- Using someone else’s prescription medication
Drug abuse involves the intentional use of substances, including illegal drugs or prescription medications, in a manner that is harmful to oneself or others. Drug abuse is:
- Repeated use despite negative consequences
- Using drugs to escape reality or cope with problems
- Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain or use the substance
To further illustrate the differences, we create a table comparing the different characteristics of misuse and abuse:
| Drug Misuse | Drug Abuse | |
| Definition | Inappropriate use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. | Intentional use of substances, including illegal drugs or prescription medications, in a harmful way. |
| Intent | Often stems from a lack of understanding or a desire to achieve a specific effect (such as pain relief) | A deliberate choice to use substances in a harmful way |
| Frequency | It can be an occasional or one-time event | Typically involves a pattern of repeated use |
| Progression | It can escalate to drug abuse if behavior becomes habitual and interferes with daily life | This leads to significant problems in various aspects of life |
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Signs and Symptoms of Drug Misuse
A person misusing or abusing drugs may start to withdraw from family and friends, avoiding social interactions. Their circle of friends may also begin to change as they spend more time with people who also misuse drugs.
The longer their problem lasts, financial problems may begin to arise as they borrow or steal money to buy drugs. This can also lead to legal problems if they get arrested for possession or other drug-related offenses.
There can also be physical and behavioral symptoms to watch out for. Here are the physical signs of drug misuse:
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Poor hygiene
- Frequent nosebleeds (if snorting drugs)
- Needle marks (if injecting drugs)
- Frequent illnesses (headaches, nausea)
- Tremors or seizures
Here are the behavioral signs of drug misuse:
- Irritability, agitation, anxiety, or depression
- Increased secrecy about activities and whereabouts
- Poor performance at work or school, neglecting household duties
- Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence
- Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect
It’s crucial to spot these signs and symptoms for early intervention and prevention of more severe substance use issues. They may manifest differently depending on the specific drug being misused or abused.
Depending on the drug being misused, here are how the signs and symptoms can manifest:
| Symptoms | |
| Stimulants | Hyperactivity, excessive talking, euphoria, paranoia, decreased appetite |
| Opioids | Drowsiness, confusion, constricted pupils, slurred speech, slow movements |
| Depressants | Slurred speech, lack of coordination, memory problems, sedation |
| Cannabis | Euphoria, altered perception of time, increased appetite, red eyes |
| Hallucinogens | Visual or auditory hallucinations, altered sense of reality, mood swings |
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What are the Risks of Drug Misuse?
Drug misuse carries significant risks that can affect a person’s health, relationships, and overall well-being. These risks can have short-term and long-term consequences.
Some of the short-term consequences of drug misuse include:
- Overdose: Taking too much of a drug can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Accidents and Injuries: Impaired judgment and coordination can result in accidents, falls, or injuries.
- Acute health problems: Short-term health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory depression, or severe allergic reactions.
- Legal issues: Possession of controlled substances without a prescription, driving under the influence, or other drug-related offenses can lead to arrests and legal consequences.
What are the Long-Term Risks of Drug Misuse?
Repeated misuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug, making it difficult to stop using despite harmful consequences.
Long-term misuse can cause severe health issues such as:
- Liver damage
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Mental health disorders
- Weakened immune system
It can also impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Over time, the body may require larger doses to achieve the same effect, leading to increased use and dependence.
Stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be physically and mentally distressing.
How Does Drug Misuse Affect People?
Drug misuse has many effects on a person’s life. It can lead to conflicts and strained relationships with family, friends, and partners due to changes in behavior, secrecy, and neglect of responsibilities.
Work and academic performance can decline due to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and impaired cognitive functions. Spending money on drugs can lead to financial difficulties, borrowing or stealing to support the habit.
Drug misuse can negatively impact a person’s overall well-being. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and a lower quality of life.
How to Get Help for Drug Misuse
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug misuse, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are numerous resources available that can provide support, treatment, and guidance.
Here are some of our suggested resources:
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A community-based association of recovering drug users who meet regularly to help each other stay sober.
- SMART Recovery: Offers a secular, science-based support group where members learn self-empowering skills and support each other in recovery.
- Inpatient rehabilitation: These facilities provide a structured environment for intensive treatment. Patients stay at the facility for the duration of their program.
- Outpatient rehabilitation: Outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home while receiving drug treatment during the day, providing more flexibility.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): Provides a 24-hour helpline to offer support and guidance (1-800-NCA-CALL).
- Licensed professional counselors: Specialize in substance abuse therapy and can provide one-on-one support.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people recognize and change detrimental behavioral patterns.
- Detoxification centers: Provide medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.
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- “Drug Misuse: Psychosocial Interventions.” British Psychological Society (UK), 2008.
- “Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report.” National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- “Drug Misuse Versus Drug Abuse.” Summit BHC, 2016.
- “Substance Abuse.” Wikipedia.
- “Drug Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction: What’s the Difference?” Meridian Psychiatric Partners.
