substance abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

'substance abuse' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the misuse of and excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, for example: "The organization is dedicated to helping people affected by substance abuse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's called substance abuse.

The New York Times

Substance abuse is pervasive.

The Economist

My substance abuse is done".

The New Yorker

He struggled with substance abuse.

The New York Times

His substance abuse heightens.

The New York Times - Books

Substance abuse," Daniel says.

The Guardian

Covert substance abuse?

The New York Times - Health

Certainly substance abuse".

The Guardian - Books

Animals also indulge in substance abuse.

The New York Times - Science

Unfortunately, nothing about substance abuse is simple.

The New Yorker

(Substance abuse has, in fact, increased).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "substance abuse", be specific about the substances involved (e.g., alcohol, opioids) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Instead of broadly referring to "substance abuse", specify the type of substance being abused to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations. For example, distinguish between "alcohol abuse" and "opioid abuse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substance abuse" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the misuse of drugs or alcohol, indicating a problematic pattern of consumption. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

55%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substance abuse" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe the problematic misuse of drugs or alcohol. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is primarily used in news, media, and scientific publications with a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "drug addiction" or "alcohol misuse" exist, "substance abuse" remains a general and widely understood term for addressing addiction-related issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drug addiction

Focuses specifically on addiction to drugs rather than a broader range of substances.

alcohol misuse

Emphasizes the problematic use of alcohol specifically.

drug misuse

Highlights the incorrect or harmful use of drugs.

chemical dependency

Indicates a state of reliance on a chemical substance, often implying addiction.

addiction

A broader term referring to compulsive engagement in a behavior or substance use despite negative consequences.

problematic substance use

Focuses on the negative consequences arising from substance consumption.

habitual substance intake

Highlights the regularity and routine nature of substance use.

narcotics addiction

Addresses addiction specifically to narcotics.

dependence on drugs

Highlights the reliance on drugs for normal functioning.

self-abuse through substances

Emphasizes the self-harming aspect of substance misuse.

FAQs

How can I use "substance abuse" in a sentence?

You can use "substance abuse" to describe a problematic pattern of using drugs or alcohol, such as: "The program aims to address "substance abuse" among teenagers."

What are some alternatives to "substance abuse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "drug addiction", "alcohol misuse", or "chemical dependency".

Is it more appropriate to say "substance use disorder" instead of "substance abuse"?

"Substance use disorder" is a more clinical and diagnostic term, while ""substance abuse"" is a more general term that can be used in broader contexts.

What are the common causes of "substance abuse"?

Factors contributing to ""substance abuse"" can include genetic predispositions, environmental factors, mental health issues, and social influences.