Substance Abuse Disorder

Definition

Substance abuse disorder refers to a chronic condition characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of substances, such as drugs or alcohol, despite negative consequences on one's physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning.

Related terms

Tolerance:

Tolerance is when an individual requires larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect as before.

Withdrawal:

Withdrawal refers to the unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms experienced when reducing or discontinuing substance use.

Relapse: Relapse is the return to substance use after a period of abstinence.