Definition of Substance Abuse:
The excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol or a drug. (There is no universally accepted definition of substance abuse.)

A definition of substance abuse that is frequently cited is that in DSM-IV, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-IV definition is as follows: A. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct
   
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)

B. The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of substance.

What are the symptoms of substance abuse/chemical dependence?
The following are the most common behaviors that indicate an individual is having a problem with substance abuse. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated (drunk) on a regular basis
• lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking
• avoiding friends and family members
• giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or spending time with non-using friends
• talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
• believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun
• pressuring others to use or drink
• getting in trouble with the law
• taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance
• work performance suffers due to substance abuse before, after, or during working or business hours
• missing work due to substance use
• depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings
  

Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Teens
There are three major approaches frequently used to prevent adolescent substance use and abuse, including the following:

• school-based prevention programs
School-based prevention programs usually provide drug and alcohol education and interpersonal and behavior skills training.
• community-based prevention programs
Community-based prevention programs usually involve the media and are aimed for parents and community groups. Programs such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are the most well known community-based programs.
• family-focused prevention programs
Family-focused prevention programs involve parent training, family skills training, children's social skills training, and family self-help groups. Research literature available suggests that components of family-focused prevention programs have decreased the use of alcohol and drugs in older children and improved effectiveness of parenting skills that favorably affected their children's risk factors.