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 large amounts.
Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)over-the-counter (OH-ver-the-KOWN-ter)
A medicine that can be bought without a prescription (doctor's order). Examples include analgesics (pain relievers) such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Also called nonprescription and OTC.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prescription (prih-SKRIP-shun)
A doctor's order for medicine or another intervention.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
