Kinds of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can actually be used to describe the excessive use of any physical substance. However, over time, the term "substance abuse" has become more of a societal idiom for the use and abuse of chemical substances, specifically illicit drugs. The term substance abuse is also used socioculturally with the idea of drug dependence or addiction, as well as the harmful effects that dependency can create.

Alcohol Abuse

• Alcohol (e.g., beer, wine, liquor) is a legal substance that depresses the body's central nervous system, creating feelings of euphoria and functional difficulty.

Cocaine Abuse

• Cocaine was a previously legal narcotic painkiller intended as a morphine substitute; however, the euphoric sensations and increased energy it offers its users contribute more to its addictive allure than the anesthetic effects it provides.

Barbiturate Abuse

• Barbiturates (e.g., benzodiazepine medications such as Xanax) are legal substances often prescribed for medical situations calling for muscle relaxation and sedation or to counter anxiety and panic attacks.

Opiate Abuse

• Opioids (e.g., narcotic painkillers such as Valium, Vicodin and morphine) are legal painkilling substances with a highly addictive nature due to the extreme feelings of euphoria and calmness that they produce.

Methamphetamine Abuse

• Meth is an illegal synthetic amphetamine that creates feelings of euphoria and increased adrenaline, producing an intense and long-lasting stimulant effect.

Marijuana

• Marijuana is a non-narcotic drug derived from the cannabis plant that temporarily alters the user's perception and behavior: it slows down the body's nervous system and produces a sedative, calming effect, which is why it is legal in some states for medicinal purposes.