are using drugs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are using drugs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or state of someone consuming drugs. Example: "The authorities are concerned that many teenagers are using drugs, which can lead to serious health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"But most are using drugs for medical reasons".

The New York Times

You have people that are using drugs to self-medicate".

The Guardian

Researchers and clinicians are using drugs to suppress the emotional impact of traumatic memories.

The Guardian

If parents want to know whether their children are using drugs, why not ask them?

The New York Times

"The majority of soldiers and police are using drugs," said Waziri.

The Guardian

Many young people are using drugs not to drop out but to get ahead.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I was using drugs.

The New York Times

"They're having unprotected sex, they're using drugs".

The New York Times - Health

They discussed whether the woman was using drugs.

The New York Times

"My friends all shared needles when I was using drugs.

The New York Times

By eighteen, he had left home, and was using drugs, dealing drugs, and carrying guns.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing drug use, be specific about the substances involved if possible. For example, instead of "are using drugs", specify "are using opioids" or "are using marijuana".

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations about groups of people and their drug use. Data shows that different demographics exhibit different patterns of drug use, so be specific when describing these patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are using drugs" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action. It describes the current state of individuals consuming drugs, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are using drugs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of consuming drugs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, including scientific discussions and general reporting. When employing this phrase, consider specifying the substance for greater clarity. While "are using drugs" is direct, alternatives like "are experimenting with substances" or "are engaging in substance abuse" may be preferable depending on the intended nuance and the specific situation being described. Remember to avoid generalizations and be specific when discussing patterns of drug use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are consuming narcotics

Replaces "drugs" with a more formal synonym, "narcotics".

are taking illicit substances

Emphasizes the illegal nature of the drug use by using the term "illicit substances".

are abusing controlled substances

Highlights the misuse of drugs with the word "abusing".

are engaging in substance abuse

Uses a more clinical term to describe the misuse of drugs.

are experimenting with drugs

Suggests a trial phase, implying less frequent or habitual use.

are involved with drug use

Broadens the scope to include any connection to drug use.

have a drug habit

Focuses on the habitual aspect of drug use.

are chemically dependent

Highlights the physiological dependence on drugs.

suffer from drug addiction

Emphasizes the negative consequences and compulsive nature of drug use.

are under the influence

Highlights the state of being affected by drugs.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to say "are using drugs"?

You could say they "are experimenting with substances" or "are engaging in substance abuse" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are using drugs" or "are abusing drugs"?

The choice depends on the context. "Are using drugs" is a neutral statement, while "are abusing drugs" implies misuse or harmful consumption.

How can I use "are using drugs" in a sentence about public health?

You might say, "Public health officials are concerned that increasing numbers of people "are using drugs", leading to a rise in overdoses."

What's the difference between "are using drugs" and "are addicted to drugs"?

"Are using drugs" describes the act of consuming drugs, while "are addicted to drugs" implies a compulsive need and dependency.