drug dependence

What Is the Difference Between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction?

Question by Chronic: What is the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction?
I am witing something freelance and just wondering if anyone can give me an addequite difference between drug abuse and drug addiction.

The definition of an addict is: 1. To cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance
2. To occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively

Definition of drug abuse: he use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality (or all three).

Indiana Drug Abuse: The Kentucky Drug Problem

Without question Kentucky is one of America’s most historic states having produced legends like Daniel Boone, the Kentucky Derby and thoroughbred race horses. Kentucky’s fertile soil made possible the production of protein enriched European bluegrass, and is called the Bluegrass state. Unfortunately this highly fertile soil and vast rural areas produced Kentucky stills and marijuana crops as well. In recent years Kentucky has been plagued with substance abuse and addiction problems more than any other state. Ranking in the top ten for many drug abuse statistics that include past month marijuana abuse, marijuana production, illicit drug dependence and prescription drug addiction. The Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, an organization composed of many agencies bound to combat the drug problem, covers 67 counties in three states that include Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Of the 67 counties 29 are located in Kentucky.