Substance Abuse

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Alcohol abuse is another common type of substance abuse.

How is Substance Abuse Diagnosed?

Substance abuse is diagnosed by talking with a doctor about your history, use of drugs, medicines, and alcohol and determining the significance of your usage pattern.

How is Substance Abuse Treated?

Substance abuse problems are treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, counseling and occasionally other medicines.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one may have a problem with substance abuse, contact one of our family medicine locations to schedule an appointment.

Substance Abuse: Additional Resources

Visit our UPMC patient education materials for more information about substance abuse:

• Substance Abuse and the Family: Helping Your Children

Visit our Health Library for additional information on substance abuse:

• Drug abuse
• Drug dependence
• Drug signs and teenagers