Drug abuse refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, whether they are illegal substances or prescription medications. It involves the misuse of drugs for recreational purposes or without proper medical guidance.
Related terms
Addiction: Addiction is a condition where an individual becomes dependent on a substance or behavior and experiences difficulty in controlling their use despite negative consequences.
Substance Use Disorder: Substance use disorder is a clinical term that describes a pattern of compulsive drug use, leading to significant impairment or distress.
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education): DARE is an educational program aimed at preventing drug abuse among school-aged children by teaching them about the dangers and consequences of drug use.