Substance abuse

 

This term is used when a person’s alcohol or other drug use is not serious enough or not frequent enough to meet the criteria for dependence, but is still severe enough to cause some distress. The person’s pattern of use may be hazardous or causing problems at work, school or home. It may also be that there are recurring legal problems related to their use of alcohol or other drugs, or it is having a negative impact on an individual’s social or personal relationships.