FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let’s explore the distinctions between social substance use, substance abuse, and substance addiction:

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1. Social Substance Use:

• Definition: Social substance use refers to the consumption of alcohol or drugs casually and recreationally.

• Characteristics:

  • People engage in social substance use to enhance enjoyment, pleasure, and fun during social gatherings.

  • They typically don’t experience serious problems related to their substance use.

  • Social users believe they are in control and won’t cross any boundaries.

  • They rarely question their own use and don’t perceive it as problematic.

  • Others don’t usually complain about their substance use.

(Example: Having a glass of wine at a dinner party or sharing a joint with friends)

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2. Substance Abuse:

• Definition: Substance abuse involves a pattern of continued substance use despite negative consequences, distress, or impairment.

• Characteristics:

  • Abusers may use alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional issues or feel better about themselves.

  • They experience problems related to their substance use but set limits to manage it.

  • Substance abusers learn from past experiences and avoid repeating harmful behaviors.

  • They know their personal limits and stay within them.

  • Complaints about their use may arise, but they accept them as expressions of concern.

(Example: Regularly drinking to excess despite hangovers or missing work due to drug use)

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3. Substance Addiction (Alcoholism and Drug Addiction):

• Definition: Addiction represents the most severe form of substance use disorder.

• Characteristics:

  • Addicts continue to drink or use drugs regardless of negative consequences.

  • They often exceed their self-imposed limits and break promises to moderate use.

  • Guilt and remorse accompany their substance use, yet they struggle to change.

  • Addiction involves psychological and/or physical dependence on substances.

(Example: An alcoholic who can’t stop drinking despite health problems or a drug addict who prioritizes substance use over everything else)