Definition of Substance Disorder

Subject: Mental Health (Theory)

Overview

Drug abuse, usually referred to as substance abuse, is a pattern of drug use in which the person consumes the drug in quantities or ways that are detrimental to them or others. It is a type of substance-related disorder. Drug abuse is defined very differently in the domains of public health, medicine, and criminal justice. There are two possible explanations for the actual source of substance abuse: either a genetic predisposition that is taught from others or a habit that, if it becomes addictive, manifests as a chronic, disabling condition.

Drug abuse, usually referred to as substance abuse, is a pattern of drug use in which the person consumes the drug in quantities or ways that are detrimental to them or others. It is a type of substance-related disorder. Drug abuse is defined very differently in the domains of public health, medicine, and criminal justice.

Alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, methaqualone, opioids, and modified amphetamines are the substances most frequently linked to this phrase.

When a person is using drugs, it can sometimes lead to illegal or antisocial behavior, and it can also lead to long-term personality changes in people. Use of some substances may result in criminal consequences in addition to potential bodily, social, and psychological harm, however these sanctions vary greatly depending on the local jurisdiction.

There are two possible explanations for the actual source of substance abuse: either a genetic predisposition that is taught from others or a habit that, if it becomes addictive, manifests as a chronic, disabling condition.

"Reliance on drugs, substance dependency may be diagnosed when a person continues to use alcohol or other drugs despite issues associated to that usage. When a substance is used compulsively and repeatedly, tolerance to its effects and withdrawal symptoms might develop. This is seen as a form of substance use disorders, along with substance abuse."
Things to remember
  • Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of the substance-related disorder.
  • Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts.
  • The exact cause of substance abuse is not clear, with theories including one of two: either a genetic disposition which is learned from others or a habit which if addiction develops, it manifests itself as a chronic debilitating disease.
Questions and Answers

Drug abuse, usually referred to as substance abuse, is a pattern of drug use in which the person consumes the drug in quantities or ways that are detrimental to them or others. It is a type of substance-related disorder. Drug abuse is defined very differently in the domains of public health, medicine, and criminal justice. When a person is using drugs, it can sometimes lead to criminal or antisocial behavior, and it can also lead to long-term personality changes in people. Use of some drugs may result in criminal penalties in addition to potential physical, social, and psychological harm, although these penalties vary greatly depending on the local jurisdiction. There are two possible explanations for the exact cause of substance abuse: either a genetic predisposition that is learned from others or a habit that, if it becomes addictive, manifests as a chronic, disabling disease.

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