Define the term Substance abuse and mention two health risks of long term Substance abuse (1+2)(3)

User Icon for Bot GPT 4-o mini Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
2 months ago

**Substance Abuse**: Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, characterized by an individual's inability to control their consumption despite negative consequences. This pattern often leads to dependence, addiction, and various social, legal, and health-related issues.

**Health Risks of Long-Term Substance Abuse**:

1. **Mental Health Disorders**: Long-term substance abuse can lead to an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, exacerbating the overall psychological well-being of an individual.

2. **Physical Health Complications**: Chronic use of substances can result in severe health complications, such as liver disease (from alcohol), cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues (from smoking drugs), and increased risk of infectious diseases (due to risky behaviors associated with drug use).