What causes drug abuse?
The cause of drug abuse is not known, nor is it understood why some people can abuse drugs briefly and stop without difficulty, whereas others continue using drugs despite undesirable consequences. Biological factors, such as genetics and the presence of other psychiatric disorders, may play a role, as may environmental factors, such as peer pressure, history of abuse, and stress, and developmental factors, such as the timing of drug exposure.
What are the risk factors for drug abuse?
A number of factors increase a person’s risk of abusing drugs. Not all people with risk factors will abuse drugs. Risk factors for drug abuse include:
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Anxiety disorders or depression
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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
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Bipolar disorder
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Early drug use
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Lack of parental supervision
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Male gender
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Parental substance abuse
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Peer pressure
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Personality disorders, such as antisocial behavioral disorder or borderline personality disorder
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Physical or sexual abuse
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Poor family communication or bonding
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Stress
INTRODUCTION
What is drug abuse?
Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications in ways other than recommended or intended. It also includes intentional inhalation of household or industrial chemicals for their mind-altering effects. Tobacco use and problem drinking are sometimes included in the definition of drug abuse. Chemical abuse and
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of drug abuse?
Symptoms of drug abuse include those of intoxication and those related to unfulfilled responsibilities and the social consequences of drug use....
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TREATMENTS
How is drug abuse treated?
The goals of drug abuse treatment are aimed at stopping drug-seeking and use, preventing complications of drug withdrawal, rehabilitation, maintaining abstinence, and preventing relapse. Treatment depends on the drug being abused, whether addiction is present, and whether there are coexisting health or psychological problems....
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