Classification Of Drug Users

By James Handforth

There are two types of drug users, classified as habitual users and those who just do it for leisure, and hence, are not addicted to them.

There are some major differences between these two types. Drug addiction is a condition, which is characterised by an uncontrollable and compulsive need to use drugs. It is a complex and chronic disease, which can take over your life, and make it difficult to focus on anything other than drugs. It is a pathological condition, which is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Prolonged use has a negative effect on brain functioning.

Habitual drug users are different from recreational drug users since the latter just take drugs to be accepted by the society. They usually do it for enjoyment, although it is not culturally a good thing. These people are not prescribed to take any medications, but they still take it for no reason.

The causes are different for both types of drug uses. Recreational drug use is mostly caused by a curiosity about the effect of the drugs, and is more common among the younger generation. It is just to bring more excitement to social gatherings and for having a good time. It can also be due to peer pressure. Drug addicts, on the other hand, usually start taking drugs in order to escape an unpleasant situation, such as family problems, romantic issues, depression or abuse.

In recreational drug use, the user is not physically dependent on the drug, and does not have withdrawal symptoms if he does not take a hit on a regular basis. The drug is consumed only on social occasions and parties, for making them more exciting. For a drug addict, on the other hand, there are serious withdrawal symptoms, if the drug is not consumed regularly, and serious medical implications can occur.

Habitual addicts do not have control over their minds and can lose everything for drugs. They usually waste all of their money in drugs and are not bothered about their future. However, people who take drugs for fun, get in to this habit just because they can afford to do so, and they know how to control it.

The types of drugs used by both types of the users are also different. Recreational drug users usually go for soft drugs, such as ecstasy, marijuana, valium, and other medical drugs. Drug addicts are addicted to hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, and OxyContin. These drugs are extremely addictive and are much stronger than the soft drugs. They are also a lot more damaging to the body than the soft drugs.

Most people do not control their drug usage, and, from recreational drug users, they end up being drug addicts. Hence, it is all in the hands of the user to control their usage of drugs, which can change their category from a fun-sake drug user to a serious drug addict. - 29881

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