What it means
Any use of a substance that puts health or safety at risk: drinking too much, using illegal drugs, or taking a prescription drug in larger amounts, more often, or for other reasons than prescribed. Substance misuse can lead to a substance use disorder, in which a person cannot control their use despite harm. The term is used instead of older, blaming words such as "abuse".
For the nurse
Ask about alcohol, tobacco and drug use in a calm, non-judging way at every assessment, and use person-first language such as "a person with a substance use disorder".
At a glance
| Spanish | consumo indebido de sustancias |
|---|---|
| Also written | substance-misuse |
Related terms
intoxication
A state in which alcohol, a drug or a poison changes how a person thinks, acts or how the body works.
misuse
Using something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose, such as taking a medicine other than as prescribed.
stigma
Negative beliefs and labels that society attaches to a condition or group of people, leading to shame and unfair treatment.
controlled substance
A drug whose making, prescribing and use are strictly regulated by law because it can be misused or cause dependence.