Drug abuse vs drug misuse definition of drug abuse and misuse drug abuse refers to the inappropriate excessive and persistent use of a drug for causes of drug abuse and misuse to relieve anxiety tension depression or sometimes recreation for rebelling against effects of drug abuse and . What is drug misuse to misuse a drug is to use a drug for purposes it is not intended for using vicodin for a headache xanax for nausea or any other example of people believing a drug can make them feel better misuse involves not following medical instructions but the person may not necessarily be looking to get high from their use for example if a person isnt able to fall asleep after taking a single sleeping pill he or she may take another pill an hour later . Substance use misuse 2019 impact factor 1497 search in advanced search submit an article new content alerts rss subscribe citation search citation search current issue browse list of issues explore top about this journal aims and scope instructions for authors journal information editorial board advertising information editorial policies latest articles see all volumes . What is a drug and drug use a drug is a substance that can be taken into the human body and once taken alters some processes within the body drugs can be used in the diagnosis prevention or treatment of a disease some drugs are used to kill bacteria and help the body recover from infections