Substance Abuse

Substance abuse means that you use alcohol, drugs, or both even though it causes you serious problems. Your doctor may call it substance use disorder.

You may have a substance abuse problem if one or more of the following have happened in the past 12 months:

  • Using alcohol or drugs has affected your relationships and your responsibilities at home, school, or work.
  • You've used alcohol or drugs in dangerous situations, like driving under the influence.
  • You've been arrested for driving under the influence or disorderly conduct.
  • You keep using alcohol or drugs in spite of the problems this causes.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health