What is an example of substance misuse?

Using substances to avoid personal issues is an example of substance misuse because it implies a reliance on those substances to cope with problems rather than addressing them in healthy ways. This behavior often leads to a cycle where the individual uses substances as a crutch, which can eventually lead to dependency or addiction. Substance misuse goes beyond responsible use; it disrupts a person's ability to function normally in everyday life, affecting their emotional and psychological well-being.

In contrast, using reference material to study is a productive and constructive behavior that supports learning. Drinking socially on weekends can be acceptable when done in moderation, as it typically involves responsible consumption. Moderate use without health degradation indicates that the individual is not experiencing adverse effects from their consumption, which aligns more with responsible behavior rather than misuse.