Drug use is considered drug abuse when it becomes excessive or problematic, interfering with a person's daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. This determination can be subjective and may vary depending on cultural and societal norms. However, key factors that contribute to labeling drug use as abuse include:

1. Frequency and quantity: If drug use becomes regular and in large amounts, it is more likely to be labeled as abuse rather than occasional or moderate use.

2. Impact on daily life: If drug use negatively affects a person's ability to fulfill responsibilities, such as work, school, or personal relationships, it is often considered drug abuse.

3. Dependence: When a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on a drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop, it is usually categorized as drug abuse.

The use of psychoactive chemicals can be objectively labeled as drug abuse when they meet the criteria mentioned above and are recognized as harmful substances with potential negative consequences for an individual's health and well-being.

Changes in the marijuana-using population in the United States led to changes in policies like the Marijuana Tax Act in the 1930s. The increased use of marijuana and the perception that it was associated with criminal behavior and societal issues led to the implementation of stricter regulations and taxation. The Marijuana Tax Act imposed heavy taxes and penalties on the possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana, effectively discouraging its use.

Throughout history, different drugs have been introduced in the United States for various purposes other than getting high. One notable example is opioids, which were initially introduced and widely marketed by pharmaceutical companies as pain-relieving medications, without fully understanding their addictive potential. This marketing strategy aimed to address genuine medical needs but inadvertently contributed to the opioid crisis in later years.

Today, the United States still practices the introduction of drugs for legitimate therapeutic purposes. However, problems have emerged due to the misuse and diversion of these substances. Prescription drugs have been abused, leading to addiction, overdose, and the subsequent development of stricter regulations and monitoring systems.

Dopamine plays a crucial role in the Central Nervous System (CNS) as a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, motivation, and reinforcement. It is involved in regulating movement, emotion, and cognition. Dopamine pathways in the CNS are responsible for transmitting signals related to motivation, pleasure, and addiction.

There are three broad categories of substances that affect the Central Nervous System: depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, inhibit CNS activity, leading to relaxation, sedation, and decreased cognitive function. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in sedation and reduced brain activity.

One example of the effects of depressants on the CNS is alcohol. It slows down activity in the brain, impairing judgment, coordination, and memory. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to dependence and damage to various brain regions, including the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum.

In conclusion, drug use is considered drug abuse when it becomes excessive, interferes with daily life, and leads to dependence. The changes in the marijuana-using population led to stricter regulations like the Marijuana Tax Act. The introduction of drugs for legitimate purposes has historically caused unintended consequences, and these practices continue to pose problems today. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the CNS, and depressants are one category of substances that affect the CNS by reducing brain activity and inducing sedation.

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