Excerpts with permission from Graham, Allan W. & Schultz, Terry K. (Editors) (American Society of Addiction Medicine): Principles of Addiction Medicine, 2nd Edition
When repeated use of alcohol or other drugs leads to problems but does not include compulsive use or addiction, and stopping the drug does not lead to significant withdrawal symptoms the term substance abuse applies. This, and Substance Dependence, are considered substance use disorders.
Harmful use of a specific psychoactive substance. The term also applies to one category of psychoactive Substance Use Disorder. While recognizing that "abuse" is part of present diagnostic terminology, ASAM recommends that an alternative term be found for this purpose because of the pejorative connotations of the word "abuse."
Harmful use of a specific psychoactive substance. The term also applies to one category of psychoactive Substance Use Disorder. While recognizing that "abuse" is part of present diagnostic terminology, ASAM recommends that an alternative term be found for this purpose because of the pejorative connotations of the word "abuse."
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