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Definition of substance misuse
[ch 3: page 29]The TUC’s guidance for workplace reps, Drugs and alcohol in the workplace, makes clear that substance misuse is the problematic use of alcohol, drugs and other substances rather than occasional use which may have few or no ill effects. In the case of alcohol, the term usually applies to binge or heavy drinking, while the HSE says that in addition to drinking too much, drinking at the wrong time can be harmful.
The TUC explains:
“Drug or alcohol use can become problematic when an individual uses a substance so regularly or in such quantities that they start to depend on it in order to feel normal in everyday life. Dependence can develop into addiction, where day-to-day life focuses on obtaining and regularly drinking or taking a drug to maintain either a physically stable state or a preferred mental state.”
TUC, Drugs and alcohol in the workplace, (https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/drugsalcoholinworkplace.pdf)