What is Substance Abuse?

Substance Abuse involves maladaptive drug use that has not progressed to Substance dependence. The term Substance Abuse is used widely by many psychologists and psychiatrists for ‘drug abuse ‘and ‘drug dependence’.

A drug is any chemical substance which affects bodily function, mood, perception or conciousnes, which can be misused and which may be harmful to the individual or to the society. When people are habituated to drugs, the problem of drug dependence and drug abuse arises.

1. Physiological Dependence: Here the body of the person becomes hungry for the drug. Hence the word ‘Drug Addiction’ is used to show physical inclination for drugs.

2. Psychological Dependence Here the person feels the psychological need to take drugs. Hence the word ‘Drug Dependence’ is used to show mental inclination for drugs.

Since ancient times drugs like alcohol, opium, marijuana and cocaine were used by a limited group of people and their use was condemned by the society. Today a large section of the society especially the teenagers are using and misusing the drugs which in turn is affecting their personal and social growth as well as it has become a major social problem in many societies of the world.

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