substanceusing

Substance use is the voluntary consumption of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens. It ranges from experimental or social use to patterns that meet criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD), a clinically significant problem characterized by impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological effects, with varying severity.

Substance use patterns are commonly described as non-problematic use, misuse, abuse, or dependence. Legal status, availability, and cultural norms shape use, while non-medical or excessive use can increase risks such as accidents, overdose, infectious disease, and organ damage.

Prevalence varies by country, substance, and population. Public health agencies monitor trends through surveys and health data. Substance use contributes to morbidity, mortality, and social costs, including healthcare, lost productivity, and justice system involvement.

Risk factors include genetics, mental health conditions, trauma, peer influence, and socioeconomic conditions; protective factors include supportive environments, access to care, and healthy coping skills.

Health effects depend on the substance and pattern of use but can include short-term impairment and overdose, and long-term problems such as addiction, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders.

Prevention and treatment emphasize early screening, brief interventions, and evidence-based therapies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapies for specific substances. Harm reduction measures—naloxone access, syringe services, and education on safer use—aim to reduce negative outcomes. Public health policies include regulation, taxation, age limits, labeling, and restrictions on advertising.