The Facts
Drug abuse is defined as drug use that's excessive or serious enough to
interfere with a person's health, relationships with family and friends, work,
and finances. It also involves using or taking a drug in harmful ways, such
as using prescription drugs to relieve problems or symptoms in ways not prescribed
by a doctor.
Depressants (e.g., alcohol and barbiturates), stimulant drugs (e.g., amphetamines),
hallucinogenic drugs (e.g., LSD), and narcotics (e.g., cocaine, codeine, and
morphine) are the most commonly abused drugs. Anabolic steroids are sometimes
abused in order to improve athletic performance.
Causes
The causes of drug abuse aren't clear, although there are many factors that
are thought to play a role. Heredity, peer pressure, the properties and
effects of the drug, and the drug user's personality can all play a part in
drug abuse. Some studies show that people dependent on alcohol are genetically
more able to tolerate alcohol than other people. Many people believe there is
an "addictive personality", although there is evidence that an "addictive
personality" is a result, and not a cause, of drug abuse. An "addictive
personality" often is associated with poor self-esteem, trouble relating
to people, a low tolerance for frustration, and a desire to escape reality.
Some believe that people with drug addictions are overly dependent on other
people. Sometimes family and friends of the person dependent on drugs make excuses
for their behavior or act in other ways which allow them to continue their
drug abuse. These family or friends are referred to as "co-dependents"
or "enablers".
All drugs affect a "reward mechanism" in the brain. Each time the
person uses a drug, they feel good, which makes them want to use the drug again.
This common feature could explain part of why people abuse drugs.
