Understanding Drug Abuse vs. Misuse: Clearing the Confusion

If you think drug abuse and drug misuse are the same, you are not alone. 

Although they are used in similar contexts, they’re distinct, and it is essential to understand the difference. Taking the wrong dosage of a prescribed medication vs. taking a drug to get high can have similar health outcomes, but they are not the same when it comes to treatment.

In this article, we discuss the definition of drug abuse vs. misuse, what the differences are between the two, and where they fit in the world of drug use and treatment. Let’s clear up the confusion together so we can address drug use compassionately and correctly. 

Table of Contents

• Why Drug Misuse vs. Drug Abuse Are Often Confused
• Drug Misuse Defined
• Drug Abuse Defined
• What Is the Difference Between Drug Abuse and Drug Misuse?
• Prescription Drug Misuse as a Gateway To Illicit Drug Use
• What Is the Difference Between SUD and Drug Addiction?
• From Misuse to Treatment: Find Hope and Healing With Clear Steps Recovery 

Drug misuse and drug abuse are often used interchangeably and are frequently confused because they both address inappropriate uses of drugs. It is essential to differentiate between the two because they have different medical, legal, and public health definitions.

Understanding the context behind these two terms can aid in selecting effective treatment options. At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer treatment options for drug abuse and addiction for a variety of substances, including:

• Benzodiazepine
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Methamphetamine
• Alcohol
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Drugs
• Prescription drugs

No matter the drug, we know how challenging it can be to seek help. Our understanding and experienced team is here to support you in a productive and caring environment.   

Drug misuse is primarily defined as drugs that are prescribed for therapeutic intent, but are not being used according to the medical recommendations or prescribed dosage. This can include both prescription drugs and illicit drugs. If not addressed, drug misuse can lead to:

• Withdrawal
• Health problems
• Drug addiction
• Mental health issues
• Overdose 
• Death

Education, proper labeling, and accurate communication between providers and patients can help stop misuse in its tracks and prevent it from becoming abuse.

Examples of Drug Misuse

Drug misuse can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Some examples include:

• Taking the incorrect dose
• Taking the drug at the wrong time
• Forgetting to take a dose
• Stopping the use of a drug too soon
• Using the medication for a different purpose than intended

Drug abuse is defined as using illegal or prescribed drugs for non-therapeutic use, such as chasing the euphoric feeling from the drug. Oftentimes, this type of drug use occurs when the drugs are taken in excessive amounts and follows a pattern of behavior of using the drugs for personal benefit rather than medical treatment. If not treated, drug abuse can lead to:

• Damaged relationships
• Financial distress
• Health problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Criminal problems
• Death

Examples of Drug Abuse

When drugs are misused, they can often lead to drug abuse. Some examples can include:

• Crushing, sorting, and injecting pain medication to get high
• Abusing stimulants to feel high
• Misusing anxiety medication for its sedative effects
• Taking hallucinogens to detach from reality
• Sniffing or huffing household products to get high

When it comes to differentiating between drug misuse vs. abuse, it is essential to note the intent behind the drug use. 

The main difference is that with drug misuse, the drug may not be used for its intended purpose, but it may not be used intentionally to get high or achieve mind-altering effects, which is the case with drug abuse. 

When To Use Drug Misuse vs. Abuse

Both drug misuse and abuse pose serious health risks. Properly differentiating between the two can help with diagnosis, treatment, and legal support. 

Use the term drug misuse when:

• It refers to a legitimate medical use
• The behavior may be unintentional or due to a lack of medical knowledge

Use the term drug abuse when:

• Drugs are used to get high or for nonmedical reasons
• The behavior is repeated or harmful
• The drug is illegal or is being used illegally

Oftentimes, misusing prescription drugs can provide the relief or high that people are yearning for in their lives. Something as simple as taking medication for something not prescribed can lead to using the medication more or exploring other medications, chasing the same feeling. 

When you misuse narcotic medications like OxyContin or benzodiazepines such as Xanax, consequences like dependence can occur. Additionally, the more you misuse or abuse a medication, the higher the tolerance for it develops, leading you to need to take more of the drug. This cycle can happen quickly and cause more problems than most anticipate initially. 

Substance use disorder (SUD) is drug abuse that meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria within 12 months, which includes:

• The substance is taken in larger amounts or for longer than intended
• Unsuccessful effort to cut down on drug use
• A large amount of time is used to obtain the drugs
• The drugs are contributing to relationship problems
• Intense cravings occur when taking the substance
• Withdrawal occurs after stopping the substance
• The substance is causing significant disruption to school, work, or home life
• The substance is causing dangerous situations with yourself or others
• A tolerance is built up to the substance

Drug addiction is when substance use disorder becomes severe and drug use becomes uncontrolled. Those with drug addiction suffer from intense physical and psychological withdrawal if they are unable to consume drugs. 

Clear Steps Recovery is highly trained when it comes to treating substance use disorder, drug addiction, drug abuse, or misuse. Each has different levels of severity, and we offer supportive treatment programs to meet you and your loved ones exactly where they need support. 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we understand that taking time for treatment is essential, but also challenging, which is why we offer a variety of different types of treatment programs such as:

• Day Treatment Rehab Program
• IOP Program NH
• Addiction Day Treatment Program
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Health Realization Program
• Family Support Program
• Aftercare Program
• VA Rehab Program
• Men’s Rehab Program
• Women’s Rehab Program

Contact us today to see which program would be best for you and your loved one. Together, we can work through your recovery in a supportive and effective environment. 

Are you struggling with misusing or abusing medication or other substances? It can be confusing to know what is advised or safe, but we are here to help if you find it difficult to stop.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer treatment plans that meet you where you are in your recovery process. From therapy to rehab programs, we provide attentive and caring treatment for you or your loved ones. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help be a part of your recovery journey. 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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