What is Substance Misuse?

A substance can be either of the following:

• Illegal Drugs
• Legal Drugs (prescription medicine)
• Alcohol
• Solvents
• Nicotine
  

It is difficult to distinguish between substance use and misuse.

• Use - Consumption of legal substances is acceptable, provided they are used safely,  in moderation and according to the Law (age of alcohol, smoking, solvents and legal drugs).
  
  
• Misuse - This is when the substance(s) is used in a harmful way and or when an individual becomes dependant on such substance(s).