Definition and first three stages: According to the World Health Organization, “harmful drug use or drug use disorders refer to patterns of psychoactive substance consumption that cause significant damage to a person’s physical or mental health, or lead to dependence, despite negative consequences.”

We the members of civil society can chalk out various awareness programs for drug abusers and their family members and friends. For sake of clarity I will need to explain stages of drug abuse in a very simple language not strictly medical, so that we understand drug abuser is a victim and no one continues taking drugs on his/her choice.

Starting stage: On ill advise of friends or peer pressure as........

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