Alcohol/drug misuse Substance misuse is the harmful use of alcohol, drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications), or other chemicals, such as inhalants.
Commonly misused substances include alcohol, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens, and various “designer drugs.” Usually, they are used to cause intoxication or alter mood. However, excessive amounts can be dangerous in the short term.
For example, drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period may cause confusion, loss of memory, or, in extreme cases, death. Similarly, a drug overdose may be fatal. In the longer term, regular use of a substance may lead to tolerance (in which increasing amounts are needed to achieve the desired effect) and addiction.
It may also cause organ damage; mental health problems; and disruption of family, social, and work life