User, Abuser and Dependent

- User Abuser and Dependent
- Drug and Alcohol Stats
- Drug Types
- Signs Of Drug Use

User
A user could be defined as an individual who drinks occasionally or has tried a drug. On holidays, very special occasions, large celebrations, or less then two times a year, they will indulge in some type of substance usage. However, they do not drink to get drunk. They may only have 1-3 drinks over the course of a couple of hours, or they may try or experiment with a drug a few times. Users are also lacking the obsession to drink or use drugs. They live life normally without any kind of craving (either mental or physical) for any type of mind-altering substance. Someone who has a glass of wine with dinner would be classified as such.

Abuser
An abuser uses quite frequently, on the weekends, or a 1-3 times a week. An abuser drinks to get drunk and has a subtle obsession for mind-altering substances. They may use drugs once or twice a month. The may go to the bar every weekend and drink very heavily. They seek out the mind-altered mood, they want to get drunk or high. They are able to hold a job, make rational decisions, and maintain healthy relationships and still function like a normal person. A problem with this usage is that over time, they may be risking the chance of becoming dependent upon that specific drug or develop a routine usage. Those who have a tendency to become dependent will become dependent. It is a matter of when, not if, they become dependent.

Dependent
A drug or alcohol dependent individual is quite noticeable (unless the observer is in denial) from those looking from the outside inward. They use a substance despite the consequences. They may have lost their job, dropped out of school, or isolated themselves from friends and family. They spend most of their time under the influence of some type of drug or alcohol. They drink or use drugs, if not everyday, a minimum of 4 times a week. They use to feel normal. They obsess about drinking or taking their drug of choice. They may steal, pawn, or trade items they have once valued in the past. They’re financially bound to the drug or alcohol. They may hide their usage or lie about how much they use. They are or will become either emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, socially, or financially bankrupt. They display bizarre or erratic behavior that, to them, is justified. The responsibility or accountability is projected onto the ones closest to the dependent.