Definition:
The term abuse is widely used in the addictions field. Generally, it has two meanings.
The first usage relates to "substance abuse" or "drug abuse," and typically refers to substance or drug use that is harmful but may not constitute addictive behavior. An example of this is binge drinking.
The second usage refers to abuse of one person by another. The abuse may be physical (for example, hitting), emotional (for example, belittling), or sexual (for example, child molestation).
Pronunciation: ab-YOO-s
Also Known As: assault (as in physical or sexual assault), attack, cruelty, molestation, rape, belittling, shaming, name calling
Examples:
(1) After he lost his job, he began abusing drugs.
(2) The sexual abuse she experienced in childhood led her to have problems with intimacy and trust.
