Drug use exists on a continuum (Abaninsky, 2004) from non-problematic to highly problematic use. A substance use problem may be said to exist when the client experiences any kind of difficulty related to the ingestion of a mood-altering substance.
Problematic substance use can be conceptualised as follows:
- Harmful Use: a pattern of use that is causing damage to health (World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, ICD-10, 1993)
- Hazardous Use
- Substance Abuse
- Substance dependency
Substance abuse and dependence are clinical diagnoses used when the problematic use of substances meets specific DSM-IV-TR (2000) criteria, which includes both psychological and physical elements. As an addictions counsellor, you are likely to be confronted by substance abusers, and by substance dependents