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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

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Not only did this nonleadership fail to halt existing fraud, criminals expanded over the next seven years into fleecing programs for disabilities, adult daycare, autism, substance abuse and housing.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 8, 2026

A middle-aged manager of a substance abuse treatment center in southern Pennsylvania, she voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 16, 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

The Travel Agency has a partnership with the Doe Fund—which provides housing, work, and educational opportunities to those with a history of homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse.

From Slate Mar. 14, 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

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