Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of substance use that leads to significant impairment and distress.

Substance dependance, commonly referred to as addiction, is a more advanced form of substance abuse. “Substance,” or “drug,” may refer to any substance other than food or water that affects a person’s body or mind. They may be legal (prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco) or illegal.

Signs of Substance Dependence/Abuse:

• Recurring substance use, resulting in the failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home.

• Recurring substance use in situations in which it is physically dangerous.

• Recurring substance-related legal problems.

• Substance use that continues despite causing or increasing, social and interpersonal problems.

• Tolerance of the substance—the person must consume increasingly larger amounts to feel any effects.

• Experience of withdrawal symptoms upon trying to end substance use.

• The substance is often taken in larger amounts over a longer period of time than was intended.

• A persistent desire for substance or unsuccessful efforts to control substance use.

• Considerable time and money spent trying to obtain, use, or recover from substance abuse.

• Substance use instead of participation in important activities.

• Substance use that continues despite causing or increasing persistent physical or psychological problems.