Hello! I have seen the term “problematic substance use” many times. But what exactly does it refer to?

Happy to help!

Much clearer, thank you!

Problematic substance use refers to problems associated with alcohol and other drug use rather than low levels or occasional alcohol or other drug use, which does not lead to social or health-related problems. Social models of substance use tend to use terms such as ‘intervention’ or ‘problematic substance use’ or ‘drink/drug problem’ rather than more medical concepts of ‘treatment,’ ‘alcoholic,’ and ‘addict.’