While the sheer use of many of the drugs listed here is considered abuse simply due to the fact that they are illegal, there are others that fall into a different category. Prescription drugs, steroids, and marijuana all have use-cases in medicine. When these drugs are taken outside of their intended use, it is considered abuse.  Examples of this include:

• Steroids: Steroids are used to help with growth issues and muscle preservation, but they are often abused in athletics to enhance muscle growth. They are often obtained illegally, without a prescription, and can lead to addiction and dependency.
• Medicamentos recetados: los médicos recetan regularmente medicamentos recetados, como los opioides, para diversos usos.
  • Opioides: los opioides se utilizan para controlar el dolor.
  • Xanax: Xanax, o benzodiazepinas, ayudan a controlar la ansiedad.
  • Adderall: Adderall permite a las personas con ADD y ADHD concentrarse de manera más efectiva.
• Marihuana: ayuda a las personas con el tratamiento del cáncer, ansiedad, dolor, etc.

Use of drugs turns into abuse when these drugs are used outside their intended and directed use. For example…

• Tomando medicamentos que no son tuyos
• Tomando más de lo recetado
• Usarlo / consumirlo de una manera diferente a la indicada (aplastar, esnifar, inyectar)
• Usar el medicamento con el propósito de drogarse

Continued abuse leads to altered brain chemistry that impacts how your brain, body, and mind function. These actions and consequences can lead to addiction.