Whats the difference between drug use and drug abuse?”
It is common that PDAP staff will be asked this question from parents who are trying to assess how severe the situation is about a loved one. People naturally want to associate frequency of drug use as the denominator for how bad off a user may be. It is not “how much” or “how often” that alone determines a problem, although these are factors that characterize addiction. But contrary to belief, the drug itself or frequency of use may not be the only issue that needs attention. Personality traits among risk-takers, thrill seekers, creative types and personal extremists have common tendencies for such urges for gratification, which chemical use provides. Abuse is present where drugs are causing further problems and no action is being taken to correct or alter the problematic behavior (the behavior which is a direct result from drug use.) It’s simple, if all other problems lead back to some association with the drug use, and nothing is being done about it, abuse is more than likely the ca
