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  1. Drug abuse | Definition & Facts | Britannica

    Mar 2, 2026 · Drug abuse, the excessive, maladaptive, or addictive use of drugs for nonmedical purposes despite social, psychological, and physical problems that may arise from such use.

  2. Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse

    Jul 6, 2020 · Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. † It is considered a brain disorder, because it …

  3. Defining Substance Abuse, Drugs, and Dependence

    Mar 11, 2025 · The concept of drug abuse has been defined in various ways by different experts and organizations. Mitchell, a researcher in the field, describes it as the improper or illegal use of a drug. …

  4. Substance abuse - Wikipedia

    Substance misuse, also known as drug misuse or, in older vernacular, substance abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods that are harmful to the individual or others.

  5. Drug Abuse & Addiction Definition, Screening Test & Symptoms

    Drug abuse and addiction disorder is a self-destructive pattern of using a substance that causes distress and problems. Get the facts on drug abuse and addiction symptoms, causes, treatment centers …

  6. Drug Use and Addiction - MedlinePlus

    May 19, 2025 · Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease. It causes a person to take drugs repeatedly, despite the harm they cause. Repeated drug use can change the brain and lead to addiction. The …

  7. What is Drug Abuse? - News-Medical.net

    Feb 17, 2023 · Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

  8. What is Drug Abuse? Drug Abuse Information - HealthyPlace

    6 days ago · Drug abuse is not a character flaw but rather a medical condition that has developed over time. While no one knows why one person becomes a drug abuser while another doesn't, drug …

  9. Substance use, abuse, and addiction

    Substance abuse is a pattern of continued substance use despite substance-related problems, distress, and/or impairment. Addiction is psychological and/or physical dependence on the use of drugs or …

  10. Definition of drug abuse - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

    The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, …