Illegal Drug Use  What is substance abuse/chemical dependence?
A Answers (5)    • AHoward Shaffer, Addiction Medicine, answered
Substance abuse is the term the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) uses for
people who have a less severe relationship with their object of
addiction than those with dependence. Unlike those who are
dependent on substances, people who abuse substances don't have
the same compulsion or physical need to use, but they do use
excessively on an inconsistent or regular basis. People who
abuse might do so to help themselves cope with emotional
problems and life crises.      While substance abuse differs
from substance dependence, the difference might be a matter of
degree. People who abuse substances and those who are substance
dependent can experience many of the same problems.      The
DSM-IV defines substance abuse as use that produces one or more
of the following situations within a year:     • repeatedly
failing to fulfill major work, sc