The six types of substance abuse include alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, inhalants, and tobacco.
A useful skill to avoid substance abuse is learning to say "no" and resist peer pressure. This includes practicing refusal skills and finding alternative activities.
Three risk factors for drug abuse are peer pressure, family history of substance abuse, and mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The most common substance abuse disorder is alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Substance abuse is considered a type of mental illness because it affects brain function and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug.
Substance abuse is a problem because it can lead to health issues, affect mental well-being, cause legal and financial problems, and harm relationships with family and friends.