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Synonyms

substance abuse

American  

noun

  1. long-term, pathological use of alcohol or drugs, characterized by daily intoxication, inability to reduce consumption, and impairment in social or occupational functioning; broadly, alcohol or drug addiction.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another nonprofit, Asian Refugees United, sponsors “weekly Queer Youth Art Storytellers programming, which combines youth mentorship, leadership development, and creative skill-building” to reduce substance abuse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

The group of 43 women, whose ranks included survivors of human trafficking, substance abuse and homelessness, had a few hours to pack up their belongings and find a new place to stay.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

He trained as an advocate for sexual assault survivors, and volunteered for projects on HIV/AIDS education, homelessness, teen pregnancy and substance abuse.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2024

Additionally, PIR can redirect substantial taxpayer funds toward crime prevention measures such as substance abuse recovery, education, child care, and mental health support.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2024

The Providence center, located next to the campus of Rhode Island Hospital, will be run by the nonprofit Project Weber/RENEW and VICTA, a privately owned outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment program.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.