Substance abuse is defined as the harmful use of a substance, either legal or illegal, in a manner that is not the intention or recommended use for that particular substance to change your mood. It could be in the form of drinking too much alcohol, abusing illegal drugs, taking more than the recommended dosage of a medication, or taking medication that is not prescribed or intended for you. Substance abuse can also include some substances that are not classified as drugs. The use of a substance that is classified as substance abuse is when it is used repeatedly and is causing significant impairment to the user including, but not limited to, health issues, impaired control, social issues, failing to meet responsibilities, risky use, and disabilities. If you are regularly missing school or work due to the use of substances, or the use is affecting your performance at these tasks, it is entering into the abuse level. Other factors that can qualify your substance use as abuse are if it is affecting your personal relationships, including the loss of friends or fights with family members, as well as distancing yourself from your loved ones who have expressed concern about your use of specific substances. You could also be at an abusive level when you find that you need more of the substance to get the feeling of euphoria you are trying to obtain, or you find yourself not being able to stop or say no to the substance.