ubstance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol

and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of
behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and that
typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use
despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and
obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state.

Policies which influence the levels and patterns of substance use and related harm can significantly
reduce the public health problems attributable to substance use, and interventions at the health care
system level can work towards the restoration of health in affected individuals.

Highlight
 The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use

General information

 Information sheet on opioid overdose

 Facts and figures on substance abuse
 Q&A: Is harmful use of alcohol a public health problem?

Multimedia

 Naloxone: A take-home antidote to drug overdose that saves lives

November 2014

 Protecting unborn babies from alcohol-related harm

March 2014

WHO programme

 Management of substance abuse

Substance abuse in WHO regions

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 Region of the Americas–PAHO
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 Western Pacific Region
Technical information

 Public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol

 Treatment of opioid dependence
 More about substance abuse
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Statistics

 Global Information System on Alcohol and Health

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 Substances under international control
 Tobacco
 Violence: interpersonal violence and alcohol: fact sheets
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