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Substance Abuse - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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What is Substance Abuse?

In GCSE psychology, substance abuse is defined as using a drug in a way that is harmful or dangerous. A person may take drugs to "get high" or experience euphoria in order to numb themselves or feel like they are escaping reality. 

In order to achieve this result, a person takes drugs as a way to alter their mood. When someone uses a substance to help them deal with their problems in life, it is sometimes referred to as self-medication.

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You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise the characteristics of addiction and further your understanding of the theories and treatments for addiction.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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