Drug Misuse Vs Drug Abuse

According to recent reports, about 138.5 million Americans over 12 years old have illicitly used drugs at least once and up to 16.3 million misuse prescription drugs in a year. These numbers are concrete proof of how drug abuse and drug misuse have become a serious public health problem in the United States. 

But what exactly do these terms mean, and can they be used interchangeably? Let’s break it down.

Drug Misuse and Drug Abuse: What’s the Difference?

Drug misuse and drug abuse are often thought to mean the same thing. While there is a connection between the two, they refer to two distinct conditions and circumstances. Drug abuse and drug misuse both deal with illicit or highly controlled drugs including prescription medications. To better understand their differences, let’s take a closer look at each one.

What is Drug Misuse?

Drug misuse is defined as the use of medicine or substance that is different from its original purpose or inconsistent with legal or medical guidelines. It is usually associated with prescription medicines. Drug misuse can occur in different ways, such as:

• Taking incorrect doses
• Taking meds at incorrect dosing intervals
• Forgetting to take a dose
• Stopping the use of medication too soon
• Using drugs not prescribed to you

Drug misuse, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may involve taking prescription drugs that deviate from medical instructions but not necessarily for the purpose of ‘getting high’. Drug misuse is a necessary indicator of substance use disorder (SUD), however, misuse alone is not enough criterion to diagnose someone of an SUD.

What is Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse is defined as the misuse of substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medicines, to self-harm or to get high. It often starts with drug misuse. For instance, those who misuse prescription medicines to ‘get high’ could eventually develop a dependence on said meds. Drug abuse leads to dependence syndrome which is characterized by the following:

• Strong desire to take the substance
• Difficulty controlling drug use
• Continuing use despite harmful consequences
• Increased tolerance resulting to the need for higher doses
• Neglecting other activities and responsibilities
• Physical withdrawal (in some cases)

Once drug abuse leads to drug dependence, drug addiction is not far behind. It will eventually alter how the brain works – affecting not just how one thinks but also how one acts.

What’s the Main Difference between Drug Misuse and Drug Abuse?

Based on the aforementioned definitions, drug misuse and drug abuse both deal with the misuse of drugs and other substances. The main difference lies in the person’s intention that led to the misuse.

Drug misuse occurs when a substance is used in a way other than what it was intended for, or in an incorrect dosage. For example, someone might take two tablets instead of the prescribed one, hoping to relieve a headache more quickly.

With drug abuse, a substance is taken to ‘feel high’ or chase some other feeling or state of mind. For instance, a person uses painkillers long after the prescription ends to keep feeling calm and happy.

Why is it Important to Differentiate Drug Misuse and Drug Abuse?

People often downplay their substance use, especially if it’s infrequent or seems harmless. While it may not be a problem right now, it could be the start of one. Identifying the difference helps you stay ahead and take action before things escalate.

If drug misuse becomes a regular habit, it can quickly spiral into full-blown drug abuse, impacting your health, relationships, and career. Understanding the distinction lets you make smarter choices and seek support before things go too far.

How to Put a Stop to Drug Misuse and Drug Abuse?

The first step in overcoming drug use issues is to acknowledge that there is a problem. The next steps would depend on the severity of the problem. Here are some things you can do:

• Seek Professional Help: Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or addiction specialist, can help you develop a treatment plan. Therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation may be necessary to address the root causes of misuse.
• Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support network of family, friends, or support groups like Caduceus meetings. Having people to talk to can make a significant difference in staying on track.
• Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Stress and emotional pain are often triggers for drug misuse. Learning healthier ways to cope—such as through exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets—can reduce the temptation to turn to substances.
• Set Clear Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals for your recovery. Whether it’s staying clean for a week or a month, each milestone is progress and reinforces your commitment to change.
• Avoid Triggers: Identify situations, environments, or people that encourage drug misuse and avoid them. Changing your routine and making intentional decisions can help break old habits.
• Stay Committed: Recovery is a journey, not a destination. It’s important to stay focused on your goals and seek help when needed, even if setbacks occur. Patience, persistence, and consistency are key to long-term success.

FAQ

How to prevent medication misuse?

You can take precautionary measures to prevent prescription med misuse – either by yourself or by those who might gain access to them. Steps can include: taking meds exactly as prescribed, storing meds in a secure place, and discarding expired or unused medications properly.

How should I dispose of expired or unused medication?

You can drop them off at a take-back location or mail them using a prepaid drug mail-back envelope. You can also flush them down the toilet if they are on the FDA flush list. Visit the FDA website for more details.

What are the most commonly abused prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs that are abused most often include: pain relief medications like opioids; anxiety and insomnia medications like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants; ADHD medications like amphetamines and other stimulants. While prescription drugs are more frequently abused, certain over-the-counter medications are also misused.

Start Your Recovery Journey at Positive Sobriety

Whichever drug-related issue you have, getting the right professional help can better ensure lasting recovery. At Positive Sobriety Institute, our team of licensed healthcare professionals can help you properly identify whether you are dealing with drug misuse or drug abuse. We can help you set and eventually achieve your recovery goals. 

Start your journey to a healthy, sober lifestyle with us. Contact us or visit our Chicago treatment center today!