What is substance use?

Substance use refers to the consumption of drugs or alcohol. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from occasional recreational use to more frequent or intensive consumption patterns. Answering with the consideration of drinking or smoking occasionally captures the idea that substance use can include non-daily, moderate consumption. This understanding is critical as it reflects a broader view of substance use that is not limited to daily habits or extreme behaviors.

The other options tend to imply more specific or extreme forms of substance use. Daily use represents a pattern that could lead to dependence or addiction, while regular binge drinking indicates an unhealthy consumption pattern. Similarly, defining substance use exclusively as smoking tobacco does not encompass the full scope of what substance use can involve, as it excludes other substances like alcohol and other drugs. Thus, recognizing occasional use is an important aspect of understanding substance use in a more general and inclusive context.