Substance abuse is typically defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes.
At a Glance
Experts characterize substance misuse as repeated use that leads to impairments and negative consequences.
Various factors play a role in causing it, including genetics and environmental variables.
Mixmike / E+ / istockphoto / Getty Images
What Is Substance Misuse?
What Causes Substance Misuse?
Substance use is a complex problem that is influenced by a number of factors.
Genes, other mental health conditions, developmental factors, and environmental influences all play a role.
Drugs of misuse do more than alter mood.
These drugs were declared illegal in the first place because they arepotentially addictiveor can cause severe negative health effects.
Some believe that any use of illegal substances is dangerous and, therefore, abusive.
These substances are illegal because of their high risk for abuse and dangerous side effects.
The most vocal of the proponents of recreational drug use are those who smoke marijuana.
They argue that marijuana is not addictive and has many beneficial qualities, unlike the “harder” drugs.
Research has found that marijuana can have serious short-term and long-term health risks.
NIDA estimates that 30% of people who use marijuana will become dependent.
This risk is four to seven times higher for those who began using the drug in their teens.
Prescription Substance Misuse
Prescription substance misuse has risen substantially over the last few decades.
These include:
Substance use can also involve misusing prescription medications that have the potential for dependence.
Alcohol
Alcohol is legal for adults over the age of 21 in the United States.
Again, just because it is legal, doesn’t mean it can’t be abused.
And yes,too much caffeinecan be harmful to your health.
Theoretically, almost any substance can be abused.
Substance misuse can involve substances including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, synthetic drugs, and anabolic steroids.
The line between use and abuse is unclear for many legal substances.
Is having a couple of drinks every day after work to unwind use or misuse?
Is drinking two pots of coffee in the morning to get your day started use or misuse?
Substance use poses both individual and societal risks.
For societies, substance use can increase the costs associated with health problems and lost productivity.
It can also contribute to social problems such as crime.
How to Identify Substance Misuse
Has your substance use become harmful?
If you think this may be true for you, you are certainly not alone.
Treatment for Substance Use Problems
Are you hesitant to seek help for your substance use?
Again, you are not alone.
In 2023, only around 23.6% received any treatment.
Medications can also help people with opioid, nicotine, or alcohol addiction.
Being aware of these risks can help you take steps to avoid using substances in the first place.
Seeking treatment for mental health conditions can also play a role in prevention.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Terms to use and avoid when talking about addiction.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding drug use and addiction.
Csete J, Kamarulzaman A, Kazatchkine M, et al.Public health and international drug policy.Lancet.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Cannabis (marijuana) DrugFacts.
2015;156(4):569-576. doi:10.1097/01.j.pain.0000460357.01998.f1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioid overdose death maps.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Misuse of prescription drugs research report: Overview.
Conn RB.Inhalant use disorders.
In: Avery JD, Hankins D, eds.Addiction Medicine.
Springer International Publishing; 2022:57-65. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-86430-9_6
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s effects on health.
2020;12(10):3080. doi:10.3390/nu12103080
National Institute on Drug Abuse.What are anabolic steroids?.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.What are the other health consequences of drug addiction?
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
