By Terry Mason, MPH Drug abuse occurs when a person feels the need to use a drug repeatedly for various reasons. Drug addiction is said to be present when a person continues to abuse a drug after serious problems related to the drug use have occurred.
Drug abuse is a widespread problem that affects people from all walks of life.
The symptoms of abuse and addiction differ slightly based upon the drug being taken. Drug abuse and addiction cause many health-related and social problems. Several of the following symptoms or signs occur when a person is addicted to a drug. Physical symptoms vary depending on the drug being abused and the extent of the drug use. The health risks of tobacco, for example, are different than the health risks of drugs like alcohol or cocaine.