Substance Abuse Definition
Posted in Substance Abuse on Nov 17th, 2009
While there is no universally accepted definition of the term substance abuse, there are guidelines which aid in the diagnosis. Basically, it is the use of harmful drugs or alcohol with the knowledge that it is harmful. A person who tries Oxycontin, just to try it even though they know it can be harmful, is abusing a substance. They are not necessarily addicted but they may continue to use it knowing the dangers of the substance.
