Best Answer
Writing an essay about drug abuse, it is important to start by distinguishing it from drug usage. Most people use some type of drugs casually or recreationally. Whether it is a morning caffeine fix, a glass of wine with dinner, over-the-counter painkillers when a headache strikes, or some recreational marijuana, substances are a part of everyday life. While using drugs may be an acceptable way to relax, to ease pain, or to handle other issues, drug abuse can have profoundly negative effects on a person’s life.
Unfortunately, there is not a bright-line between drug use and drug abuse. Someone who uses drugs appropriately most of the time and does not have a substance abuse problem may occasionally use drugs in ways that impact them negatively. On the other hand, people with serious substance abuse problems may seem to function very well and not have any obvious signs of a problem. Drug addiction is more than a social problem; it is an actual mental disorder that has three main components: compulsive drug-seeking, continued drug use regardless of harmful consequences, and long-lasting brain changes.
While there are no bright-lines, there are signs and symptoms that can signal when drug use has become problematic and is slipping into drug abuse. Signs that may be visible to others include changes in social groups, secretiveness, stealing, lying, stashing drugs, drug paraphernalia, unexplained disappearances, and unexplained financial fluctuations. These can indicate that someone is using and buying drugs, and the more secrecy surrounding the behavior, the more likely the use is problematic.
From a personal standpoint, experiencing withdrawal when without the substance is one of the major signs of drug abuse, though not all drugs create physical withdrawal. Needing more of the substance to get the same feeling (tolerance) is another warning sign of drug abuse. Being focused on the drug use, including tailoring social and recreational activities to fit the substance use, is a sign that drug use is a problem. Another sign that drug use is an issue is if the person is unable to reduce or eliminate the drug usage.
