Introduction to Substance Use Disorders

What you’ll learn to do: describe substance abuse markers and the effect of different substances on the body, and identify resources for information and guidance about substance abuse

Woman talking to people in a substance abuse program.

An overindulgence of anything, even something as pure as water, can intoxicate.

―Criss Jami, author

By the end of this section, you will be able to define substance use disorders and markers for substance use disorder risk and describe the effects of alcohol use and abuse on the body. You will be able to compare the effects of prescription and illegal drug use and abuse on the body. In addition, you will identify resources for further information and guidance about substance use disorders.

Contribute!

Did you have an idea for improving this content? We’d love your input.

Improve this pageLearn More