What is drug abuse?
A person who abuses a drug uses illegal drugs, or uses legal drugs in a manner that conflicts with the directions given by a physician. Abused drugs include narcotic pain medications, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, sedative, stimulants, and drugs that cause hallucinations. Physical dependence on a drug is called drug dependency. Psychological dependency results in drug addiction.

What are the symptoms of drug abuse?
Symptoms of drug abuse vary with the type of drug. Sedative drugs cause symptoms that are very different than stimulant drugs. Symptoms can be broken down into: symptoms of GHB, symptoms of hallucinogens, symptoms of narcotics, symptoms or sedatives, and symptoms of stimulants.

How does the doctor treat drug abuse?
The treatment for drug abuse depends on the drug and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment for drug abuse may include mental health counseling, support group, social services, drug detoxification, and medications to control the symptoms of drug withdrawal.