Levels of drug use
Printer-friendly versionThere are four types of drug use described here but they are not absolute. A person using drugs can move between the different types - experimental, recreational, dependent and problem use.
Experimental use
This has been described as being a short-term, often group activity. It tends to be exploratory in nature. The drug taken and the way it is taken are often influenced by the availability of drugs, where they are taken, the company of the user, subcultures and current fashion. Such choices tend to be indiscriminate and the pattern of drug taking is usually irregular.
Experimental use is sometimes referred to as novice use and carries specific risks, eg lack of knowledge about the effects of the drug taken. It may develop into recreational drug use or it may simply stop. Research indicates that most drug use by young people in Northern Ireland is experimental.1
Recreational use
Recreational use refers to the use of drugs where enjoyment is a key factor. Such use occurs on a regular basis. A significant factor is that the user often feels they have established a degree of control over the drug in terms of what is taken, the amount taken and the location of the drug use. Recreational use could also be described as ranging from occasional to heavy use, but where the user is not dependent on the drug. Such use is generally discriminatory with regards to the type of drug used and the location where it is taken.
This type of use is often associated in Northern Ireland with the clubbing scene. There is also a view that "recreational drug use is, to some extent, a 'normal' activity, conforming to various social and sub-cultural rules and expectations."2
Dependent use
This type of drug use is more likely to be a long-term activity. With dependent use, there is a compulsion - either physical or psychological - to use the drug. In most respects, the user has lost control of their drug use.
It is often characterised by the taking of large amounts of drugs and a very chaotic pattern of drug taking. Use becomes frequent, less controlled, but still regular. Obtaining the drug becomes more important to the user than the quality of the drug or the quality of the experience.
Dependent drug use is usually a solitary or small group practice. Such use will often be accompanied by emotional, psychological and social problems. Continued high levels can lead to severe physiological and psychological problems.
Problem use
This type of use can be either recreational or dependent. In other words, it is not necessarily the frequency of the use which is the main issue or problem, but the effects that the drug-taking has on the life of the user. That is to say, a person may experience social, psychological, physical or legal problems as a result of drug use, but not necessarily dependence.