Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

                Use and Abuse

Substance use is where taking a substance involves no harm.

Substance abuse is where the substance harms either the person taking it or others.

However what is viewed as use and abuse varies depending on societies.

                Distinctions between addiction and physical dependence

Addiction occurs when, with repeated use, someone preoccupied with a substance and dependent on it.

It causes a pleasant feeling (high).

Increased levels of the substances have to be maintained to preserve this feeling.

Withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the substance is not taken.

Relationships with others suffer and the risk of relapse is…