Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school or home.
This refers to a physical state where the body has adapted to a substance and will react with withdrawal symptoms if usage is reduced or stopped abruptly.
This is a state where higher doses of a drug are required over time to achieve the same effect due to physiological adaptation within the body.
Withdrawal Symptoms: These are unpleasant physical reactions combined with intense drug cravings that occur when a person stops taking certain addictive substances.