Substance abuse is a pattern of repeated use of alcohol, drugs, or
both, even though this use causes unpleasant or distressing events in the
user's life.
A person has a substance abuse problem if one or more of the
following have occurred within the past 12 months.
- Substance use has interfered with the person's
ability to meet his or her obligations at home, school, or work. The person may
not show up for, have poor performance at, or be fired or expelled from work or
school. The person may neglect family members or the home.
- Alcohol,
drugs, or both have been used repeatedly in dangerous situations, such as while
driving a car or operating machinery.
- The person has incurred legal
problems related to substance abuse, such as arrests for driving under the
influence (DUI) or disorderly conduct.
- The person continues to use
alcohol, drugs, or both, despite social or personal problems caused by or made
worse by use of the substance. This includes everything from arguments with a
family member about drug use to physical fights with strangers.
Someone who has a substance abuse problem may suffer serious
withdrawal symptoms if he or she stops drinking alcohol or using a drug
suddenly ("cold turkey"). Once dependency develops, it may become very
difficult to stop drinking or using a drug without outside help. Medical
detoxification may be needed.
