How is abuse differentiated from misuse?

The correct answer highlights that abuse refers specifically to the intentional use of a substance, such as an opioid, to achieve a psychoactive effect, commonly described as getting high. This action is characterized by a non-medical, recreational approach to drug use, demonstrating a disregard for the substance's intended medical purpose and potentially harmful consequences.

Abuse often involves consuming a drug in higher doses or through methods that significantly deviate from legitimate medical practices. It encapsulates a pattern of behavior that indicates a more serious issue with substance use, often leading to addiction or dependence.

In contrast to misuse, which typically refers to using a substance inappropriately, often without understanding or considering its risks (for instance, taking more than prescribed or using it for the wrong condition), abuse is intentional and suggests a desire for the substance's euphoric effects. Thus, distinguishing the two is crucial for understanding substance-related disorders and developing treatment or intervention strategies.