Drugs

A drug is any substance, other than food, that is taken to change the way the body or the mind works. Drugs can be taken by many ways: ingesting, inhaling, absorbing, smoking or injecting.

Drugs includes: illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription, medications, laxatives, vitamins, sleeping pills, teas, coffee, colas…

Drug use vs. drug abuse

Drug use is the use of any drug in order to change the way you think, act or feel, with out interfering with your daily routine.

Drug abuse occurs when the use of a drug results in a problem in one or more of this areas: work, school, family, friends, drinking and driving, health…

Drug use continuums

-         Never use: never used a particular drug

-         Experimental use: has tried a substance once or several times by curiosity.

-         Occasional use: use is infrequent and irregular, usually in special occasions.

-         Regular use: the user seeks actively to experience the drug effects or to participate in activities of the peer group. He feels in control of the drug use.

-         Dependence use: use is regular and predictable and usually diary. The user experiences a physiological and psychological need. He feels out of control and will continue to use despite adverse consequences. Drugs are often used alone and daily activities may be planned around it.