Drug Abuse - JSS1 Basic science Lesson Note

Drug abuse refers to the harmful or excessive use of legal or illegal substances. It involves the misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes, leading to negative consequences on physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, and overall functioning. Common signs of drug abuse include:

• Increased tolerance: needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use.
• Continued use despite knowing the harm it causes.

Drug abuse can lead to addiction, which is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, use, and inability to control despite adverse consequences. Treatment for drug abuse often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups to address the underlying causes and help individuals achieve recovery.