Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependence There are three different
terms used to define substance-related disorders, including the
following: - Substance abuse. Substance abuse describes a
pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems
or distress such as failure to attend school, substance use in
dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal
problems, or continued substance use that interferes with
friendships and/or family relationships. Substance abuse, as a
disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the
abusive use of legal substances. Alcohol is the most common
legal drug of abuse. People can often stop substance abuse on
their own or with a little help when they realize it is
interfering with their life. - Substance dependence Substance
dependence describes continued substance abuse, even after
significant problems in everyday functioning have developed.
Signs include an increased tolerance or need for increased
amounts of a substance to attain the desired effec