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.
- Prescription drugs: Prescription drugs, like opioids, are regularly prescribed by doctors for a number of uses.
- Opioids: Opioids are used to manage pain.
- Xanax: Xanax, or benzodiazepines, help manage anxiety.
- Adderall: Adderall enables those with ADD and ADHD to focus more effectively.
- Marijuana: Helps individuals with cancer treatment, anxiety, pain, etc.
Use of drugs turns into abuse when these drugs are used outside their intended and directed use. For example…
- Taking medication that isn’t yours
- Taking more than what was prescribed
- Using/consuming it in a different way than directed (crushing, snorting, injecting)
- Using the medicine for the purpose of getting high
Continued abuse leads to altered brain chemistry that impacts how your brain, body, and mind function. These actions and consequences can lead to addiction.