Substance abuse typically refers to the use of what kind of drugs?

Substance abuse commonly refers to the use of drugs that deviate from established legal, medical, or social norms. This definition encompasses illicit drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, as well as the misuse of prescription medications, like using opioids without a prescription or taking higher doses than prescribed. Substance abuse occurs when the use of these substances leads to detrimental effects on an individual’s health, behavior, or social functioning.

This understanding of substance abuse is critical for professionals in the field, as recognizing patterns of misuse can help in identifying individuals who may require intervention or support. The other options do not fully capture the essence of substance abuse; for example, prescribed medications can be misused but are not inherently associated with abuse if used correctly, while legal and socially accepted drugs—like alcohol—can also be abused in certain contexts. Herbal supplements typically do not fall under the classification of substances that are commonly associated with abuse patterns.