I was thinking while taking a walk in the morning about the differences among the terms Use, Abuse, Misuse and Harmful-use. There are of course very thin lines separating each of them however, the differences are worth taking notice of. Especially in mental health where the same substance, such as alcohol can be used, misused, abused, and harmfully used. What are the differences?

While use refers to the appropriate and intended use of a drug, as prescribed by a medical professional or as indicated by the manufacturer. It is a responsible and rational use of the substance one is using without the substance producing any undue effect on the individual’s psychosocial and functional areas such as family relations or work. Use does not cause any harm or impairment to the user or others. Use is motivated by the need to treat a specific condition or symptom, such as pain, anxiety, or infection. Use is regulated by legal and medical guidelines, and the user follows the instructions and dosage carefully. Use does not affect the user’s mental state or emotional well-being, except for the relief of the underlying problem. Use does not lead to addiction or dependence unless the drug has a high potential for abuse and the user is predisposed to addiction or many times when the user is not aware of the substances’ potential addictive properties.

An example of a “use” would be a person who uses an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection, as prescribed by their doctor, is using the drug appropriately and does not experience any negative consequences.

On the other hand, misuse refers to the improper or inappropriate use of a drug, often unintentional or accidental. Misuse can result from misunderstanding the instructions, forgetting the dosage, or taking the wrong medication. Misuse can also result from using a drug for a purpose other than its intended one, such as using a painkiller to sleep better or using an antibiotic to treat a viral infection. Misuse is an irrational and irresponsible use of the substance which can lead to the user’s psychosocial and functional impairment. Misuse can have negative consequences, such as side effects, adverse reactions, or interactions with other substances. Misuse can also reduce the effectiveness of the drug or cause resistance to it. Misuse can affect the user’s mental state or emotional well-being, causing confusion, drowsiness, or mood changes. Misuse can lead to addiction or dependence, especially if the drug has a high potential for abuse and the user is predisposed to addiction.

An example of “misuse” would be a person who takes more than the recommended dose of cough syrup, thinking that it will help them recover faster, is misusing the drug and may experience harmful side effects.

However, abuse refers to the excessive or harmful use of a drug, often intentional or deliberate. Abuse can result from using a drug in a way that is not only outside of its intended purpose, but also in a way that is harmful to the body. Abuse can include using a drug in large amounts or in combination with other substances, such as alcohol. Abuse is a compulsive behavior which driven by the need to experience a state which the user is somewhat aware of and ignoring the consequences. Abuse can also result from using a drug to alter one’s mental state or to cope with emotional or psychological issues. Abuse can have serious consequences, such as addiction, overdose, and other health issues. Abuse can also cause legal and social problems, such as arrest, violence, or isolation. Abuse can affect the user’s mental state or emotional well-being, causing euphoria, paranoia, or depression. Abuse can lead to addiction or dependence, especially if the drug has a high potential for abuse and the user is predisposed to addiction.

For example, a person who uses cocaine to get high, despite knowing the risks and harms, is abusing the drug and may develop an addiction or suffer an overdose.