Definition

Substance use is the continued use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines with negative consequences. These consequences may involve:

• Problems at work, school, home or in interpersonal relationships
• Problems with the law
• Health problems
• Physical risks that come with using illegal drugs in dangerous situations

Substances that are commonly used include:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Inhalants
• LSD
• Marijuana
• PCP
• Prescription medicines

Alternative Names

Substance abuse; Illicit drug abuse; Narcotic abuse; Hallucinogen abuse

References

American Psychiatric Association website. Substance-related and addictive disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.

Weiss RD, Liebschutz JM. Drug use disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 365.