Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who takes drugs: This term refers to an individual who consumes substances, typically psychoactive drugs, which can include illegal narcotics, prescription medications used non-medically, or other mind-altering chemicals. The term is neutral in tone but often carries a societal or legal context.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The support group provides counseling for any drug user seeking help.
  • Law enforcement aims to reduce harm by targeting dealers, not the average drug user.
  • Public health policies must consider the needs of the drug user to be effective.

Advanced Usage

• "Recreational drug user": A person who uses drugs occasionally for pleasure or social reasons, rather than due to addiction.

  • He identified as a recreational drug user, only using substances at parties.

• "Intravenous drug user": A person who administers drugs directly into their veins using a needle. This term is common in medical and public health contexts.

  • Needle exchange programs are vital for the health of intravenous drug users.

Variants and Related Words

• Substance user (n): A more clinical or formal synonym, often used in medical and policy documents.

  • The clinic offers services for all substance users.

• Drug abuser (n): A term that emphasizes the harmful, excessive, or improper use of drugs. It can have a more negative connotation.

  • The program is designed for the rehabilitation of drug abusers.

Synonyms

• Addict: A person who is physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance. This term implies addiction.
• Substance abuser: A person who uses drugs or alcohol in a harmful way.

Related Phrases

• Problem drug user: A phrase used in social and health policy to describe a person whose drug use causes significant harm to their health and social functioning.
  • The new initiative focuses on outreach to problem drug users.

Related Idioms

• To have a habit: An informal idiom meaning to be addicted to a drug.
  • It was rumored he had a habit, but he never admitted to being a drug user.

Noun

1. a person who takes drugs