Is everyone who tries alcohol or drugs destined for addiction?
No. Not everyone who uses alcohol or experiments with illegal drugs ends up addicted. In fact, alcohol can be enjoyed by many people without serious negative consequences. Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell early on whose use may lead to addiction. The following are several different ways that people use alcohol and drugs:
Experimental Use – Out of curiosity or through peer pressure, individuals may try drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. If the use of the alcohol or drug continues irresponsibly, experimentation may become problematic.
Social/Recreational Use – Drinking alcoholic beverages is permitted in American society, and some excessive use may even be condoned. If use does not cause problems for the user, or cause problems for others, most people consider such use to be social or recreational.
Abuse – Abuse is a condition in which the use of alcohol or other drugs has become such a central part of an individual’s life that he or she is willing to let go of important activities in order to use the drug. Drug abuse involves the intake of a drug under circumstances that significantly increase the hazard potential. Examples of abuse include: use of alcohol or drugs in spite of a drug-free workplace policy, taking prescription drugs without a prescription or taking drugs in a way that are not prescribed, or use of over-the-counter drugs to the point of impairment.
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