What Is the Difference Between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction?

Question by Chronic: What is the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction?
I am witing something freelance and just wondering if anyone can give me an addequite difference between drug abuse and drug addiction.

The definition of an addict is: 1. To cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance
2. To occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively

Definition of drug abuse: he use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality (or all three).

The use of a drug for a purpose other than that for which it is normally prescribed or recommended.

the habitual misuse of a chemical substance

They are very similar definitions. Almost the same.

Why are people either classified as a drug abuser or a drug addict? Drug abusers don’t usually get the intese care an addict does. Remember, the definition for addic includes psychological addiction… not just physical.

Best answer:

Answer by Nico
drug abuse-when you get pain killers from the doctor and you take too many for the effects

addiction is when you can’t stop taking them,because you’re addicted to them.

drug abuse usually comes before addiction

Answer by mak
The definition and the explanation of Question is well explained by you only. I hope no more explanation and definition is required.

Bernards Township to host dialogue nights about substance abuse
The second dialogue night will take place on Wednesday, May 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. The May program is titled “The Definition of Addiction.” During this program, participants can learn the difference between adolescent angst and drug use. This evening …
Read more on NJ.com


The revolving door: Wyoming reliance on jails for mental health services comes
In Wyoming as well as around the country, jails and prisons operate as de facto mental health facilities, treating a disproportionately high number of offenders with mental illnesses, substance abuse issues and often both. That reliance on … A drug …
Read more on Casper Star-Tribune Online


In Our View: Keep Tobacco Age Limit at 18
That is the suggestion from the King County Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Administrative Board, a 15-member volunteer board created to provide input to health officials in the state's most populous county. … We have a little more faith in store …
Read more on The Columbian

Find More Difference Between Drug Abuse And Addiction Information…