Drug abuse or substance abuse is a disorder characterized by excessive use of the habit-forming drugs and misuse of over the counter medicine, the illegal use of drugs which in turn leads to severe addiction and dependence with so many negative conclusions. Drug abuse addiction is a chronic illness with relapse rates similar to those of hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. And it refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are also at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.

Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive drugs that are used by people for various different reasons which may include:

Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain relief may have turned into recreational use and become addictive Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals Recreational purposes As a means of obtaining creative inspiration