Wikipedia defines the phrase Substance Abuse as, “the overindulgence in and/or dependence upon a drug or other chemical leading to effects which are detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health, as well as the welfare of others.” It can lead to an addiction to or dependence on a substance. The physiological side of dependence mandates developing a tolerance of the substance, which leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Substance dependency is defined by the behavioral and physiological symptoms of substance use, whereas the social consequences that occur define substance abuse. Abuse frequently occurs without dependency resulting, but dependency almost always implies the presence of abuse. Substance abuse is generally categorized as a disorder and is but the pathological use of the medication is its main characteristics.

During the early 1950’s, both alcohol and drug abuse were categorized as sociopathic personality disorders or disturbances by the American Psychiatric Association. Moral weakness and deeper psychological disorders were thought to be the cause of these types of disorders or disturbances. The APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders contained the particular information regarding the morality issue.

When the third edition of the book was released in the 1980’s, drug abuse and substance dependence were listed as separate entities. Cultural and social factors were also recognized as parts of the equation. When dependency was actually defined, the tolerance to substances as well as the withdrawal symptoms was the primary emphasis. Whereas the definition of abuse utilized the concepts of problematic substance use with occupational or social impairment, but it was void of tolerance or withdrawal.

Seven years later, the terminology psychoactive substance abuse was introduced and included the previous concepts of substance abuse. However it was defined as a pattern of maladaptation that was patterned by the continual use of a substance. Substance abuse involved problematic use without compulsion, whereas substance dependency involved the problematic use of a substance, whether or not withdrawal symptoms were present. Not only can substance abuse be harmful, but it can be deadly.

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