Final answer:
Drug misuse refers to the incorrect use of legal prescription drugs, while drug abuse is the intentional and improper use of a drug, including illegal or psychoactive drugs, often resulting in addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Drug Misuse and Drug Abuse
The terms drug misuse and drug abuse often get used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Drug misuse typically refers to the incorrect or improper use of a legal prescription drug, such as not following the prescriber's instructions or using a medication prescribed for someone else. On the other hand, drug abuse is characterized by the use of a substance without the guidance of a medical professional and typically for non-medical reasons. This can include the use of illegal or psychoactive drugs for their mood-altering effects, potentially leading to addiction and even life-threatening situations like overdose.
Moreover, drug abuse implies a pattern of use that leads to significant impairment or distress in the individual's life. It represents a more severe and intentional misuse that may result in drug addiction, which is the compulsive use of a substance despite the negative consequences it may cause. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both, and involves dependence where the absence of the drug results in withdrawal symptoms.
In summary, while drug misuse involves improper use of legal substances, potentially due to misunderstanding or lack of information, drug abuse is a more severe form of misuse with an element of intentionality that frequently leads to addiction and other serious outcomes.