Not waving but drowning. It can lead to dependency. It results in physical or emotional harm and may be the cause of difficulties in relationships, at home and at work. With repeated use, 'tolerance' develops so that a person has to take more of the substance to achieve the desired effect. Stopping using the substance may lead to a state of withdrawal with physical and psychological symptoms.
Substance misuse is a growing problem around the world.
In the West, alcohol remains the most commonly misused drug because it is a key part of our social lives. In small quantities it may even have a beneficial effect on health. But alcohol dependence leads to potentially fatal physical illnesses, and to psychological and social difficulties such as increased rates of divorce, poor performance at work, increased traffic accidents, acts of violence or death from suicide. Drug trafficking and dealing is a multi-million pound business. Illicit drug use is becoming more common, particularly among young people.