What Is Drug Abuse?> A Publication titled ; the Treatment of Drug Abuse ( Joint information service of the A.P.A. & N.A.M.H. )
Presents it's definitions of Drug Abuse as generally meaning ; the Non-Medical use of illegal drugs which alter the mental state in ways regarded by social norms & defined by statute as objectionable, ominous or at a minimum culture alien.
> There are major flaws with this definition of Drug Abuse as the Non-Medical use of drugs!
> This Political & Medical repression shows a lack of Respect for the Integrity of the Individual.
That the definition concludes with "or at a minimum culture alien" reveals that it is democratically in-appropriate & illegitimate!
> What about some other common definitions of Drug Abuse?
Is Drug Abuse...
1. Use of an illegal drug as opposed to a Legal one?
2. Use of any substance to the point of Intoxication?
3. Use of any substance to the point of intoxication that's obnoxious?
4. Use of a substance in a way or for a reason which society as a whole does not approve?
5. Use to the point of Addiction?
> Most of these definitions are socially, culturally or legally determined. They have neither
stemmed the tide of drug abuse, nor helped anyone deal with it's realities!
Neither has definitions which focus solely on the amount of a drug taken.
> At one extreme, states the A.M.A. guide, "execssive intake of any substance is termed drug abuse",
under this rule would fall the 10-cup-a-day-coffee-drinker, the two-pack-a-day cigarette smoker
& the 6-in-one-gulp aspirin taker.
> At the other extreme, Only Chronic Ingestion that leads to a state of physical & psychological dependence is termed "drug abuse"...
This definition rejects intermittent use, which accounts for perhaps, 75% of all Psychoactive drug taking.
> Most drug users, even of Narcotics, take a firm stand against "drug abuse" by employing informal social rules & sanctions.
> Here is a more Common Sense definition of Drug Abuse, which is being used by some of
the more enlightened researchers & specialists providing assistance to people with Drug Problems.
The advantage of this definition is that you can use it to identify & bring your own drug use
behavior under control.
> "Drug Abuse is a single episode or repeated pattern of substance use to the point where it is seriously interfering with your health,
or your economic or social functioning".
> the Consequences of your Drug use, in other words are what makes it "Abuse"!!!
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