Generally, when people talk about 'substance abuse,' they are referring to the use of illegal drugs. Drugs of misuse do more than alter mood. They can cloud judgment, distort perceptions, and alter reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents and injury.

These drugs were declared illegal in the first place because they are potentially addictive or can cause severe negative health effects. Some believe that any use of illegal substances is dangerous and, therefore, abusive.

Symptoms of a substance use disorder include -

➡️Developing a tolerance to the substance so that you need to take more to achieve the same effects.

➡️Being unable to control your substance use.

➡️Needing to use the substance daily.

➡️Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, and recovering from substance use.

➡️Taking substances in risky settings.

➡️Missing school or work due to substance use or performing poorly.

➡️Skipping social or recreational activities due to substance use.

➡️Continuing to take a substance despite the negative consequences.

➡️Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking a substance.

➡️Changes in sleep, appetite, and hygiene.

➡️Attempting to hide your substance use from others.

Sources - https://www.verywellmind.com/substance-use-4014640

Photo Credits - https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/docs/2019q1report_20191203_sd.pdf