Drug use, drug abuse and drug dependence are terms commonly used to distinguish how a person is handling a particular drug or drugs. It is interesting to take a look at the terms to help decipher where a person may fall on the spectrum. First of all, the definition of drug use is simply the act of taking a limited quantity of a medication to get rid of a disease or help cure an ailment. Drugs can be used in safe ways and should always be taken as directed by the physician.
Drug use becomes a problem when it turns into drug abuse, which can be defined as the action whereby a person takes drugs and overuses them knowingly. Such a person knows that the drugs are deteriorating their health and causing negative results in their life but they keep using them. Examples can include, missing work or school, loss of motivation, social problems with friends or family, unreliability and carelessness. Some clinicians believe that any use of an illegal drug, even if it is just once in a while, is considered drug abuse as well. Generally, individuals who abuse drugs do so because they have a desire to use increasing amounts of the substance either because the smaller amount is no longer working, or because they enjoy the high feeling they get from taking a larger quantity.
Drug dependence on the other hand, is the body’s physical need or addiction for a specific drug. Drug use can eventually lead to addiction. For example, a person might start taking Vicodin to alleviate back pain, however, the body begins to crave the substance and when the back has healed and the Vicodin is no longer necessary, the person continues taking it to fulfill the desire.
When drug abuse classes occur, an individual generally begins to show some behavioral changes like mood-swings, sneaky behavior, a breakdown in family relationships, loss of friendships, grades dropping, problems at work or with the law. If you are beginning to see a decline in the functionality of your own or a loved one’s behavior, it is important to get help. At first, it might difficult to get the person to admit they have a problem. Getting to a therapy appointment can seem overwhelming and impossible. A beneficial action step in the awareness and recovery process is to take an online drug education class. The purpose of these programs is to teach individuals what drugs do to your body and mind. The risks and repercussions of drug usage are discussed at length. Once the abuser is able to clearly understand the consequences of using drugs, they have a better chance of making the choice to stop. Techniques and stress reducing skills are also taught to help the abuser redirect their behavior in a more positive way.
Taking online drug education classes are a helpful way to start the road to recovery. They can be taken at home from any Internet based computer, at any time that is convenient for your schedule. You can sit with a family member or friend for support and discussion purposes as you scroll through the class. The education in a quality online program is current, and interesting to the consumer. It is the learning process that will eventually give the abuser the strength and knowledge they need to overcome the desire.