Substance abuse is a pattern of repeated use of alcohol or drugs even though this use causes unpleasant or distressing events in the user's life.

You have a substance abuse problem if one or more of the following have occurred within the last 12 months.

Drug or alcohol use that interferes with your ability to carry through with your obligations at home, school, or work. This includes:

Repeated absences from work or school or poor performance related to substance use.

Getting suspended or expelled from school; getting fired.

Neglect of family or home.

Repeated alcohol or drug use in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car or operating machinery

Legal problems related to substance abuse, such as arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) or disorderly conduct

Continued use of alcohol or drugs despite social or personal problems caused by or made worse by use of the substance. This includes everything from arguments with a family member about drug use to physical fights with strangers.

Someone with a substance abuse problem may suffer serious withdrawal symptoms if he or she stops drinking alcohol or using the drug suddenly ("cold turkey"). Once dependency develops, it may become very difficult to stop drinking or using the drug without outside help. Medical detoxification may be needed.

Many people will deny that they have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. Substance abuse is common and costly, and it can cause or worsen many medical problems and destroy families and lives.