What it means
The use of alcohol, drugs or medicines in amounts or ways that harm the person or others. Health care now prefers the terms substance useSUB-stuns YOOSThe use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or medicines not as prescribed; when it causes harm, it is called substance use disorder.Full entry and substance use disorder, because "abuse" can sound like blame and keeps people from seeking help. The words still appear in older texts, laws and questions.
For the nurse
Ask about alcohol, tobacco and drug use in a calm, non-judging way, using a screening tool. Watch for withdrawalwith-DRAW-ulThe physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or cuts down a substance the body has come to depend on.Full entry in admitted clients, and offer referral to treatment.
Related terms
withdrawal
The physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or cuts down a substance the body has come to depend on.
relapse
The return of a disease or its symptoms after a period of improvement, or a return to substance use after a time without it.
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.
substance
In mental health and addiction, a drug or chemical that changes mood, thinking or behavior, such as alcohol, nicotine or opioids.