Substance use and substance abuse are used interchangeably by many people yet the two are not synonymous. Knowing the difference would contribute to the detection of early warning signs, lessening the stigma, and selecting the appropriate level of care, either early intervention or residential substance use treatment.
This guide defines the term substances, how substance use becomes substance abuse, the symptoms to be aware of, risk factors, treatment and the most frequently asked questions.
What are Substances?
Substances represent chemical substances which change the behavior, mood or the brain, when ingested. They are either natural, synthetic, legal or illegal. Some of the most common drugs are alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, prescription stimulants, cocaine, methamphetamine, inhalants, and synthetic or designer drugs.
There are those substances that are used medically and others that are taken recreationally. Whether they are utilized on a regular basis or not, what is most important is whether they are harmful or not regardless of their intentions.
What is Substance Use?
Substance use refers to the act of taking drugs, alcohol and other mood altering substances. It encompasses alcohol consumption, taking medicine in accordance with instructions and trying cannabis or taking an over-the-counter drug.
The use of substances is not necessarily negative. A lot of individuals consume drugs without influence. Risk starts to increase as the use becomes more frequent, more intense or it starts to influence the behavior or emotional well-being.
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What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is the use of substances by an individual in a manner that causes harm, stress or discomfort to the individual life.It may disrupt health, work, marriage, money or security. Substance abuse tends to entail consumption that is not planned, consumption that is planned, or consumption that is persistent regardless of the adverse consequences.
This destructive cycle may progress to a substance use disorder, where the cravings, dependence and lack of control increase as time goes.
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Key Differences Between Substance Use and Substance Abuse
Impact and consequences are the bases on which the difference between substance use and substance abuse is based. Substance use refers to a mere taking of a substance. It can be occasional and regulated, and it can not cause significant issues.
Substance abuse, however, entails damaging or dangerous behaviors of usage. It contributes to distress, addiction, and adverse outcomes on both physical and emotional status and everyday operations of an individual. An individual can start to lose control, conceal his/her use or use it despite the obvious outcome.
Simply put, substance use is the use of a substance, whereas substance abuse is harmful, compulsive and detrimental use.
How Substance Use Turns Into Substance Abuse
Drug abuse does not normally occur on the first day. It is built up in phases.
1. Experimentation
An individual attempts a drug due to curiosity, peer pressure or recreation.
2. Regular Use
The individual starts to use more frequently. They can think that they are in control.
3. Risky Use
Drugs start acting as a stressor, depression, boredom, or emotional conflict relief mechanism.
4. Dependence
Tolerance and cravings start developing and the individual might feel that they would not be able to operate without the substance.
5. Substance Abuse / Disorder
Use continues even when it causes health problems, emotional struggles, relationship breakdowns, or legal issues.
Certain substances like opioids, meth, cocaine, and alcohol may speed up this process because of their strong effect on the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
The development of a substance abuse disorder may be detected in the initial stages, which would help to avoid the long-term effects.
Behavioral Signs
- Drug abuse secrecy or deception.
- Changing social circles
- Growing intra- family or inter- professional disputes.
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Such risky behaviors include driving under the influence.
Physical Signs
- Red and swollen pupils.
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Poor hygiene
- Shaking, tachycardia, speech slurred.
- Frequently caused injuries or bruises, which cannot be attributed.
Psychological Signs
- Temper tantrums and emotional swings.
- Symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- Loss of motivation
- Concentration problem or memory loss.
- Feel like failing to cope in the absence of substances.
When one has numerous symptoms in more than one category, he/she might be abusing substances and requires expert appraisal.
100% Confidential Support is Available 24/7
No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and honestly. Whether you need emotional support, resources, or just someone to listen.
We’re here for you—completely confidential and always respectful of your privacy. Call us today!
Risk Factors Leading to Substance Abuse
A problem will not develop in everybody using substances. Nonetheless, there are some factors that make one more likely to abuse drugs.
1. Genetics
A history of addiction in the family can make one more vulnerable.
2. Mental Health Challenges
Self-medication with drugs may be a result of anxiety, depression, trauma or struggles with emotions.
3. Environmental Influences
Being exposed to substance use, peer pressure or other social settings in which drugs are easily accessible can make one prone to risk.
4. Stress and Trauma
Individuals who experience emotional distress, grief, and loss or those who are abused can use substances to cope.
5. Early Exposure
Consumption of substances early in life predisposes one to future problems.
6. Availability
The availability of alcohol or drugs frequently or easily increases the risk of abuse.
Knowing these factors can assist you in determining when a person can be at risk.
Why Does Understanding the Difference Matter?
It is necessary to know the distinction between substance use and substance abuse because of a number of reasons.
Early Detection
Early identification of behavior changes by the individuals or families allows the people to take action before the substance abuse becomes extreme.
Reduced Stigma
There is the use of language that is simple, yet kind, to make people seek help without fear of being judged.
Proper Treatment
Stages of use demand various amounts of care. An individual who abuses substances at times can be helped through outpatient assistance whereas a person with addiction can be subjected to residential substance abuse treatment.
Better Support for Loved Ones
When related persons know what the loved one is going through, they are better placed to assist.
Improved Long-Term Outcomes
The awareness results into early intervention, better decisions, and permanent recovery.
100% Confidential Support is Available 24/7
No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and honestly. Whether you need emotional support, resources, or just someone to listen.
We’re here for you—completely confidential and always respectful of your privacy. Call us today!
Treatment Options for Substance Abuse
Treatment options on substance abuse are very numerous and they depend on the severity and requirements of the person.
1. Detoxification
Under medicated detox will aid in the removal of substances in the body in a safe and comfortable manner.
2. Residential Substance Use Treatment
This offers 24/7 support in a structured care. It is most appropriate to moderate to severe substance use disorder persons who are in need of stability and 24 hours support.
3. Outpatient Treatment Programs
These enable the persons to undergo therapy even as they proceed with school, work or even family.
4. Individual Therapy
Assists people in recognizing triggers, coping mechanisms as well as emotional issues.
5. Group Therapy
Group therapy helps people recover through form of association with others who have gone through the same experience.
6. Family Therapy
Empowers communication and offers support to the whole family system.
7. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Applicable to opioid or alcohol addiction, MAT is used to decrease cravings and keep the patient stable.
8. Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
An extended support guarantees further improvement and decreases the chances of relapse.
It can be cured at any stage provided that there is support and treatment plan.
Conclusion
Learning to distinguish between substance use and substance abuse will make people make informed choices and know when they need support. Any person can be victimized by substance abuse, yet, through adequate education, awareness and professional therapy, one can be cured in the long term.
Today, you can get help in case you or the person you care about are struggling. Call today for help Solutions Healthcare at (386) 866-3600. One call is a beginning of confidential, compassionate support.
FAQs
Q. Should you say substance abuse or substance use?
The use of substances is more preferable since it is less stigmatizing. When harmful or problematic use is described, it is said that it is substance abuse.
Q. What are the types of substance use and abuse?
They are alcohol abuse, prescription drug abuse, illicit drug abuse, recreational drug abuse, inhalant abuse and abuse of over the counter drugs.
Q. What is the difference between using and abusing?
Meaning is merely an act of taking some substance. Abusing is the use of it in a harmful manner resulting in adverse effects or getting out of control.
Q. What is the meaning of substance abuse?
Substance abuse can be described as the use of substances repeatedly or in a risky manner, which causes an issue in the health, relationships, work, or even the safety of an individual.
Q. What is the definition of abuse?
Abuse entails the use of something in a harmful, excessive, or risky manner, which results in damage or distress.
