Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of substances like alcohol and illicit drugs.

Abuse can have profound effects on an individual's physical and mental health, social relationships, employment, and overall well-being (“Substance abuse disorder”, 2023).

46.3 million people aged 12 or older met the criteria for having a substance abuse disorder in 2021(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023). Long-term impacts include a high prevalence of alcohol addiction symptoms', increased marijuana use as people age, and death. Increased substance use may destroy multiple bodily systems and cause high risks of health conditions such as impaired cognitive function, cancer, and heart disease.
Liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental health disorders are all chronic health conditions that can come about due to substance abuse. Socially, substance abuse can strain relationships and lead to isolation. It can disrupt employment which can have different effects and could put an individual in a financial strain and cause stress. This would only further exacerbate its detrimental effects on overall health. (Ackermann et al., 2023).