What it means
In general English, a substance is any kind of matter. In health care it usually means a psychoactive substance: alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, cannabis, opioids, stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, sedatives, hallucinogens and inhalants. "Controlled substances" are drugs whose use is limited by law because they can be misused.
At a glance
| Also written | substances |
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Related terms
substance abuse
An older term for using alcohol or drugs in a harmful way; today it is usually called substance use disorder.
withdrawal
The physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or cuts down a substance the body has come to depend on.
substance use
The use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or medicines not as prescribed; when it causes harm, it is called substance use disorder.
overdose
Taking more of a drug or substance than the body can safely handle, whether by accident or on purpose.