Drug abuse refers to the excessive and illegal consumption of drugs that are harmful to the health of an individual. It can be defined as the persistent use of a substance despite its detrimental effects on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Drug abuse can have serious and long-term consequences, including addiction, overdose, physical and mental health problems, and social problems such as unemployment, crime, and homelessness. Commonly abused drugs include alcohol, opioids, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Treatment for drug abuse typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. Prevention efforts include education, awareness campaigns, and policies to reduce availability and accessibility of drugs.
