Question 1

what defines drug abuse?

Accepted Answer

Drug Abuse : In dsm-iv, this is a persistent, "maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress."  there are:  failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home; recurrent drug use in physically hazardous situations (like driving); recurrent substance-related legal problems; & continued use despite social problems caused/worsened by the drug use.

Question 2

how common is drug abuse?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Unfortunatey,  the usa is a country plaged with both prescrition, and nonprescription drug addicts. Many of these individuals or occupying space in overcrowded prisions, others are at large, perhaps homeless, and using criminal means to support their drug habits. The war on drugs has failed horrably, and due to past misguided effects to erraticate cannibus, the real threat today crystal meth.

Question 3

how to break cycle of drug abuse?

Accepted Answer

Seeking help: Addiction is a serious disease that requires professional help. I would recommend finding a therapist and psychiatrist who have experience treating addiction. If you need help with detoxing from substances currently, that may require inpatient or residential treatment for a short period of time, followed by outpatient work.

Question 4

drug abuse can cause pfieffers syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Not that I can find: Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by premature fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis), and abnormally broad and medially deviated thumbs and great toes. Most affected individuals also have an abnormal midface, with protruding eyes and conductive hearing loss.  See:http://children.Webmd.Com/pfeiffer-syndrome-type-i 
best wishes.

Question 5

how does drug abuse ruin a persons life?

Accepted Answer

Many ways: Drug addiction is a medical disease which can have devastating results on a personal, emotional, social, and work level. The person using drugs is usually unaware or reluctant to admit their problem until its too late. Act now!

Question 6

how much should i worry about drug abuse?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry: Just get support and treatment!

Question 7

can drug abuse cause mental health problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Drug abuse has been associated with a number of different mental health problems. Mood changes (depression, anger outbursts), impulsive behavior, psychosis, anxiety, social withdrawal, lack of motivation are all common consequences of drug abuse. There are studies that show specific mental health problems associated with certain drugs.

Question 8

is drug abuse interchangeable with drug misuse?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Drug misuse can eventually lead to drug abuse before one is even aware of what is happening. 
Both are problematic and need medical intervention before these become larger issues.

Question 9

are there statistics on the effects of drug abuse?

Accepted Answer

Effects of drug use: According to the national institute on drug abuse, the annual cost in the U.S. Of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use is $600 billion. In most states, the legal threshold for intoxication is a blood alcohol level of .10%. Judgment, attention, and sensorimotor skills can be impaired at .05% bal. Spice, a synthetic form of marijuana, can cause increased heart rate & blood pressure like stimulants.

Question 10

how common is drug abuse in males compared to females?

Accepted Answer

Drug abuse: That depends on several factors such as age, type of abused substances, family history, etc.

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What defines drug abuse?

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How common is drug abuse?

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How to break cycle of drug abuse?

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Drug abuse can cause pfieffers syndrome?

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How does drug abuse ruin a persons life?

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How much should i worry about drug abuse?

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Can drug abuse cause mental health problems?

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Is drug abuse interchangeable with drug misuse?

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Are there statistics on the effects of drug abuse?

A member asked:

How common is drug abuse in males compared to females?

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