Understanding What Are the Three Categories of Drug Users?
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4 min read
According to the Department of Justice, the trafficking and abuse of drugs affect nearly all aspects of American life, costing the economy hundreds of billions of dollars. Understanding the different relationships people have with substances, and specifically what are the three categories of drug users, is crucial for addressing this complex public health issue. These categories—the social user, the substance abuser, and the addict—are defined by distinct patterns of use, motivation, and level of dependency.