Explanation of "Drug of Abuse"
Definition:
A "drug of abuse" is a type of drug that people take not for medical reasons, but to change how they feel. These drugs can make you feel happy, relaxed, or excited, but they can also be harmful. Using these drugs can lead to serious health problems and sometimes make people dependent on them.
Usage Instructions
You can use "drug of abuse" when talking about illegal drugs or certain legal drugs that are misused.
It is often used in discussions about health, addiction, and law.
Example Sentence
Advanced Usage
In more advanced discussions, you might hear about the impact of drugs of abuse on society, public health policies, and rehabilitation programs for those affected by addiction.
Word Variants
Drug abuse (noun): The act of using drugs in a harmful way.
Abuser (noun): A person who misuses drugs.
Addiction (noun): A strong need to use a substance, despite its harmful effects.
Different Meanings
In a medical context, "drug" can refer to any substance used to treat or prevent disease, which is different from the notion of drugs of abuse.
"Abuse" can also refer to the improper use of anything, not just drugs. For example: "child abuse" or "abuse of power."
Synonyms
Illicit drug: A drug that is illegal to use or sell.
Controlled substance: A drug that is regulated by law due to its potential for abuse.
Recreational drug: A drug taken for enjoyment rather than for medical reasons, which may or may not be a drug of abuse.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
Hit rock bottom: This idiom means reaching the lowest point in life, often due to drug abuse.
Kick the habit: A phrasal verb meaning to stop using drugs or addictive substances.
Summary
A "drug of abuse" refers to substances taken for non-medical reasons that can lead to harmful consequences.