Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Toxicomanía
Substance abuse (SUB-stunts uh-BYOOS)
The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.