Decoding the Difference between Drug Abuse and Misuse

You might have often heard the terms ‘drug abuse’ and ‘drug misuse’, but not many people know how these terms are actually different from each other. In this blog we will be highlighting the inherent difference between the two and the most effective measures for abstaining from drugs for overall health and wellness.

Understanding Drug Misuse

Prescription drugs are intended to assist us from recovering from various ailments. However, whenever a prescription drug is used for any other purpose than the one it is meant for, it falls in the category of ‘drug misuse’. For instance, many people consume certain painkillers because they make them ‘feel good’. Misuse also involves not following medical instructions meant for a specific drug. For instance, a person prescribed with one sleeping pill might take one or two more if he is not able to sleep properly after taking the first dose. This kind of misuse often results in greater health risks in the long run. 

What Falls Under the Category of Drug Abuse? 

Drug abuse implies people taking those drugs which are not prescribed to them, usually for ‘pleasure’. Euphoria, relaxation and a feeling of ‘getting high’ are generally the feelings associated with abusing a drug. Most commonly abused drugs come from the benzodiazepine and opiate families and have unavoidable side effects, ranging from increased dependency to addiction. For instance, if you take a drug without prescription or the symptoms then it will fall under the category of abuse. 

Drug Misuse

Drug abuse and misuse often lead to cases of dependency and addiction. In such a scenario, it is best to seek the services of a certified Behavioral Health Center that can provide you holistic treatment for dealing with the issue. We recommend Quapaw House as they specialize in treating the entire family of an addict or alcoholic through their diversified programs. 

Summary- 

When a person misuses or abuses a prescription drug, there can be no oversight of the medical risks involved. It is advisable to consult a physician before taking any prescription medicine. In case, you are suffering from drug abuse it is better to seek the services of a well-trusted behavioral health center. Visit http://quapawhouseinc.org/ for further details.