INTRODUCTION

*Substance abuse is the medical term

used to describe a pattern of using a
substance (drug) that causes significant
problems or distress. This may be missing
work or school, using the substance in
dangerous situations, such as driving a car.

The use of illegal drugs or the use of

prescription or over-the-counter drugs for
purposes other than those for which they are
meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.
Drug abuse may lead to social, physical,
emotional, and job-related problems.

It may lead to substance-related legal problems,

or continued substance use that interferes with
friendships, family relationships, or both.
Substance abuse, as a recognized medical brain
disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal
substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine,
or methamphetamine
 CAUSES

 *Family history of addiction. Drug addiction is

more common in some families and likely
involves genetic predisposition. If you have a
blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with
alcohol or drug addiction, you're at greater risk
of developing a drug addiction.
 Mental health disorder. If you have a mental
health disorder such as depression, attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-
traumatic stress disorder, you're more likely to
become addicted to drugs. Using drugs can
become a way of coping with painful feelings,
such as anxiety, depression and loneliness, and
can make these problems even worse.
 Peer pressure. Peer pressure is a strong factor
in starting to use and misuse drugs, particularly
for young people.
 Lack of family involvement. Difficult family
situations or lack of a bond with your parents or
siblings may increase the risk of addiction, as
can a lack of parental supervision.
  Early use. Using drugs at an early age can
cause changes in the developing brain and
increase the likelihood of progressing to drug
addiction.
 Taking a highly addictive drug. Some drugs,
such as stimulants, cocaine or opioid
painkillers, may result in faster development of
addiction than other drugs. Smoking or injecting
drugs can increase the potential for addiction.
Taking drugs considered less addicting — so-
called "light drugs" — can start you on a
pathway of drug use and addiction.

TYPES
(1) Central Nervous System (CNS)
(2) CNS Stimulants. ...
(3) Hallucinogens. ...
(4) Dissociative Anesthetics. ...
(5) Narcotic Analgesics. ...
(6) Inhalants. ...
(7) Cannabis.
 PREVENTION
1. Understand how substance abuse
develops. Substance abuse starts by:

 Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for

recreational purposes
 Seeking out intoxication every time you use
 Abusing prescription medication
2. Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop
healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends
or family members who pressure you to use substances.
3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and
substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are
dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression
or post-traumatic stress disorder you should seek
professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor.
4. Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history
of mental illness and addiction, several studies have
shown that this disease tends to run in the family, but
can be prevented. 
5. Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs
and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not
working.
 CONCLUSION
*By adopting an evidence-based public health
approach, America has the opportunity to take
genuinely effective steps to prevent and treat
substance-related issues. Such an approach can
prevent substance initiation or escalation from use to
a disorder, and thus reduce the number of people
suffering with addiction; it can shorten the duration of
illness for sufferers; and it can reduce the number of
substance-related deaths. A public health approach
will also reduce collateral damage created by
substance misuse, such as infectious disease
transmission and motor vehicle crashes. Thus,
promoting much wider adoption of appropriate
evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery
strategies needs to be a top public health priority.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.wikipedia.com