What term refers to drug use in a socially prescribed manner?

The term that refers to drug use in a socially prescribed manner is accurately identified as drug misuse. This concept involves using substances in a way that aligns with social norms or expectations, but not necessarily in a medically or socially responsible manner. For example, taking a medication prescribed for someone else, or using legal substances beyond the recommended guidelines, illustrates misuse because it occurs within a social context that may inadvertently endorse or overlook such behavior.

In contrast, drug addiction typically indicates a more severe and compulsive pattern of substance use, where the individual is unable to control their consumption despite negative consequences. Drug experimentation usually refers to trying out substances, often in a casual or exploratory context without the intention of habitual use. Drug dependence is characterized by a physical and psychological reliance on a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using it, which deviates from the concept of socially prescribed use. Thus, drug misuse encompasses the nuanced relationship of using substances in ways deemed acceptable by society, yet not always aligned with healthful practices.