Drug abuse and dependence occurs with both legal prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as illegal substances.
Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction.
This may occur through the progression from experimentation with drugs to their occasional use and then to the development of tolerance and physical dependence. Drug dependence may follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief. Risk factors that predispose people to drug abuse are a lack of mental or emotional resources against stress, a low tolerance for frustration, and the need for immediate relief of tension or distress. Health care professionals are at risk of drug abuse and dependence because of increased access to drugs. Junior high and high school students often begin using drugs as a result of peer pressure.