What it means
Taking in substances that change mood or thinking, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and sedatives. When use continues despite harm, with craving, loss of control and problems at home, work or school, it is diagnosed as a substance use disorder, rated mild, moderate or severe. This person-first language has replaced "substance abuse" in health care.
For the nurse
Ask every client about substance use in a matter-of-fact, non-judging way. Use person-first words ("a person with a substance use disorder," not "an addict"). Watch admitted clients 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 , and offer treatment and harm-reduction resources such as naloxone.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SUD (substance use disorder) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | consumo de sustancias |
| Also written | substance-use |
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.
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.
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.