How do they define drug abuse? This addiction, also known as substance abuse, means frequently repeated consumation of a drug aimed at getting into euphoria or escaping from problems in reality. Drug abusers (addicted people) continue to use drugs even if they are aware of negative consequences. An abuser is seldom able to quit himself/herself, without help.

Not all drugs are illegal. The most widely known drug abuse facts involve illegal drugs such as heroin or marijuana. But they may also involve substances that are easily and legally purchased in a store and somehow improperly used: for example, inhalants such as glue, or prescription drugs such as vicodin or ketonal.

Probably the most important drug abuse fact is that, whatever the drug of choice, this drug has a harmful, disruptive influence upon the abuser’s body and soul. Drug abuse destroys a person’s relations with surrounding people and ability to perform usual daily responsibilities. It is essential to know that drug abuse always leads to poor physical and mental health.

Another important fact about drug abuse is that most drug abusers apparently are unable to understand that they develop a drug dependency. They are sure that they can easily quit if they want to. Though, unfortunately, it is not so.

Drug addiction can be physical, psychological, or both. “Heavy” drugs always create both kinds of dependency. Physical addiction leads to “withdrawal” symptoms which the abuser has to suffer when he/she stops taking the drug for some time. Psychological addiction leads to the state of abuser’s mind when he/she becomes unable to to maintain feelings of pleasure, joy, confidence without drugs.

Drug abuse also frequently leads to drug-related crimes. People who have lack of money may sell things which belong to their family and friends, steal, or rob in order to get enough money for purchasing drugs.