The term “drug/substance abuse” has been used to describe a range of problems associated with repeated or intensive use of psychoactive substances, and historically served as a diagnostic label. In the DSM-IV, it was defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress, demonstrated by one or more of the following within a 12-month period:
Repeated substance use resulting in failure to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Substance use in physically hazardous situations (e.g., driving while intoxicated).
Substance-related legal issues (e.g., arrests due to intoxication or disorderly conduct).
Continued use despite ongoing social or interpersonal problems caused by substance effects.
Because of its pejorative and stigmatising connotations, the term “drug/substance abuse” has largely been replaced in clinical and scientific contexts by “substance use disorder (SUD)”, which more accurately reflects the medical nature of the condition.
Sources: Recovery Research Institute