Substance abuse refers to the overindulgence in and dependence on a stimulant, depressant, chemical substance, herb (plant) or fungus leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual's physical health or mental health, or the welfare of others.
The disorder is characterized by a pattern of continued pathological use of a medication, non-medically indicated drug or toxin, that results in repeated adverse social consequences related to drug use, such as failure to meet work, family, or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, or legal problems. There are on-going debates as to the exact distinctions between substance abuse and substance dependence, but current practice standard distinguishes between the two by defining substance dependence in terms of physiological and behavioral symptoms of substance use, and substance abuse in terms of the social consequences of substance use.
Substance abuse may lead to addiction or substance dependence. Medically, physiologic dependence requires the development of tolerance leading to withdrawal symptoms. Both abuse and dependence are distinct from addiction which involves a compulsion to continue using the substance despite the negative consequences, and may or may not involve chemical dependency. Dependence almost always implies abuse, but abuse frequently occurs without dependence, particularly when an individual first begins to abuse a substance. Dependence involves physiological processes while substance abuse reflects a complex interaction between the individual, the abused substance and society. *
More on [ Substance abuse ]

Alcoholism and the Family - For parents in recovery. Excerpts, downloads and ordering information for two books about helping children to manage the impact of parental alcoholism and other substance abuse and addiction.
Anne M. Fletcher - A nationally known health and medical writer. Author of the best-selling books Sober For Good and Thin For Life.
Meta Description: [ Anne M. Fletcher, author of the books WEIGHT LOSS CONFIDENTIAL, THIN FOR LIFE and SOBER FOR GOOD, is a nationally known health and medical journalist and registered dietitian. ]
Freeman Carpenter - Alcoholic - Distributes recovery materials, including books and tapes created by a 55 year recovering alcoholic.
Meta Description: [ recovery books recovery tapes freeman carpenter clyde bertram Alcoholics Anonymous Books Freeman's Parable ]
Good Book Publishing - By Dick B. Articles, books, collections, and resources on AA's spiritual roots. Includes many AA and Christian links. Offers 14 books.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous with Dick B., a cured alcoholic coming from aa meetings, alcoholics anonymous meetings, who talks about alcoholism treatment and signs of alcoholism. Also, the 12 Steps, aa 12 Steps, Dr. Bob, Bill W., Oxford Group, Christian Recovery and aa history. ]
Kindred Publishing - Provides educational videos and workbooks for drug and alcohol abuse, treatment programs, counselors and correctional facilities.
Meta Description: [ shower faucets grohe kitchen drinking fountain porcher automatic faucet roman ]
Koerper and Company, Inc - Offering services for Alcoholics Anonymous, SAP Curve, drinking problems, alcohol abuse, and recovery.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous, SAP Curve, drinking problems, alcohol abuse & recovery. The Pint Of No Return by Win Koerper from The Little Library Of Love. Preview this new way of thinking about drinking. ]
Nick Charles - In association with Addiction Network and Chaucer Clinic. Books for people with alcohol and addiction problems.
South Bay Books - An online bookstore along the path to recovery, featuring titles which focus on sobriety, recovery, spirituality and wisdom. Including books about Twelve Step programs.
Meta Description: [ South Bay Books... An online bookstore along the path to recovery featuring titles on Twelve Step programs. ]
| Facts About Drugs & Narcotic, Hot Facts Teacher Emily LSD, Cocaine, Marijuana, Shrooms | |
| Next Video | |