Drug Use/Misuse/Abuse

The appropriate term for referring to "use", "misuse" or "abuse" of drugs is often debated.

When does "use" become "misuse" or is it "abuse"?

The substance in question, the age of the user, the amount, regularity of the "use", and the harm it does or can cause will affect the terminology.

Some people would argue that the "use" debate should be focused on the distinction between "use" and "harmful use". The terms "misuse" and "abuse" are often used synonymously although some would argue that the focus should be on the drug that is being misused rather than abused and not on the person who is a "misuser" rather than an abuser.