The inability to consistently limit the self-administration of psychoactive substances. Any use of a prescription drug that varies from accepted medical practice. The inadvertent or deliberate consumption of a dose much larger than that either habitually used by the individual or ordinarily used for treatment of an illness, and likely to result in a serious toxic reaction or death. Primary prevention consists of attempts to reduce the incidence of addictive diseases and related problems in a general population. Secondary prevention aims to achieve early detection, diagnosis and treatment of affected individuals.
Tertiary prevention seeks to diminish the incidence of complications of addictive diseases.
Also, an umbrella term for any harmful use of alcohol, including alcoholism. ASAM recommends that the term not be used in the latter sense. A process of overcoming both physical and psychological dependence on a psychoactive substance, with a commitment to sobriety. Recurrence of psychoactive substance-dependent behavior in an individual who has previously achieved and maintained abstinence for a significant period of time beyond withdrawal. A state of complete abstinence from psychoactive substances by an addicted individual, in conjunction with a satisfactory quality of life.