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Substance Use Problems
Learn about substance misuse

Substance misuse is using drugs or alcohol in a way that harms you or that leads you to harm others, like your family or friends. People misuse alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs. Even using tobacco can be considered substance misuse. People who misuse drugs or alcohol can also become dependent on them. If you think you might have a substance use problem, our topics can give you the support you need to help you quit. And if you're worried about someone else, you can find tips in our topics for providing support to others.
For more information, see our substance use topics, such as:
- Al-Anon
- Alcohol and Drug Problems
- Alcohol and Drugs: When to Get Help for an Intoxicated Person
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse in PTSD
- Alcohol Effects on a Fetus
- Alcohol Misuse and Dependence
- Alcohol or Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Alcohol Use Problem: Other Health Problems That May Occur
- Alcohol Withdrawal
- Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Anabolic Steroids
- Antianxiety Medicines for Alcohol Withdrawal
- Being Abused: What Puts You at Risk?
- Benefits of Quitting Alcohol or Drugs
- Blackouts Caused by Alcohol or Drugs
- CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Problems
- Cocaine
- Date Rape Drugs
- Diabetes and Alcohol
- Drinking and Your Health
- Drug Misuse and Dependence
- Drug Problems: Helping Someone Get Treatment
- Drug Withdrawal in Newborns (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Electronic Cigarettes
- Health Risks Related to Smokeless Tobacco
- Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol
- Heroin
- Ideas to Help You Cut Back On or Stop Using Alcohol
- Inhalant Use
- Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Problems
- Interactive Tool: Do You Have a Drinking Problem?
- Interactive Tools
- John's Story: Crossing the Smoke-Free Finish Line
- Keeping Change Going-Your New Normal
- Linda's Story: Quitting Smoking Lowers My Risk
- LSD
- Making a Change That Matters
- Making a Plan to Help Someone Get Treatment for an Alcohol Use Problem
- Making Your Change Happen
- Marijuana
- Medical History for Alcohol Problems
- Methamphetamine
- Naloxone Rescue Kits for Opioid Overdose
- Nancy's Story: Quitting Smoking Takes More Than Willpower
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Nate's Story: Sick of Smoking
- Not Ready for Change?
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Physical Signs of Alcohol Dependence
- Planning for a Change That Matters
- Planning for Alcohol or Drug Relapse
- Questions About Substance Use Treatment Programs
- Quick Tips: Cutting Back On Drinking
- Quick Tips: What to Do When You Crave Nicotine
- Quitting Smoking
- Residential Treatment for Substance Use
- Risks of Smoking Cigars and Pipes
- Saying No to Alcohol and Drugs
- Seizure Medicines for Alcohol Withdrawal
- Signs of Drug Use
- Signs of Substance Use
- Sponsor's Role in Alcohol or Drug Recovery
- Stan's Story: Getting There Hasn't Been Easy
- Substance Use and Mental Health Problems
- Substance Use Problems in Older Adults
- Substance Use Problems: Signs at Home
- Substance Use Problems: Signs at School
- Substance Use Problems: Signs in Your Teen's Friendships
- Substance Use Support Groups: Being an Active Member
- Substance Use: Staying Alcohol- or Drug-Free After Treatment
- Teen Alcohol and Drug Use
- Teen Substance Use Problems: Choosing a Treatment Program
- Teen Substance Use: Making a Contract With Your Teen
- Thinking About a Change?
- Tobacco Use in Teens
- Track Your Smoking
- Worried About Addiction to Opioids?
- Alcohol Problems: Helping Someone Get Treatment
- Alcohol Problems: How to Stop Drinking
- Quitting Smoking: Coping With Cravings and Withdrawal
- Quitting Smoking: Dealing With Weight Gain
- Quitting Smoking: Getting Support
- Quitting Smoking: Helping Someone Quit
- Quitting Smoking: Preventing Slips or Relapses
- Substance Use Problems: Dealing With Teen Substance Use
Current as of: October 9, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine