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substance abuse
a substance use disorder characterized by the use of a mood- or behavior-altering substance in a maladaptive pattern resulting
in significant impairment or distress, such as failure to fulfill social or occupational obligations or recurrent use in situations
in which it is physically dangerous to do so or which end in legal problems, but without fulfilling the criteria for substance dependence. Specific disorders are named for their etiology, such as alcohol abuse and anabolic steroid abuse. DSM-IV includes specific
abuse disorders for alcohol, amphetamines or similar substances, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, PCP
or similar substances, and sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics. See also drug abuse.

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