Substance use refers to the consumption of psychoactive substances, including legal drugs (like alcohol and prescription medications) and illegal drugs (such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana). This behavior can vary in intensity from casual use to more frequent and problematic patterns.
Substance use can have various purposes, including socialization, recreation, self-medication, or escape from stress and pain. While some individuals may use substances without developing any issues, others may experience negative consequences, leading to substance use disorders (SUD), which encompass a range of conditions characterized by an inability to control use, cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and significant impairment or distress in daily functioning.
Health professionals often categorize substance use into different levels: experimental use, recreational use, problematic use, and dependence, with each level indicating varying degrees of risk and impact on an individual's life.
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