The substance abuse problem in America doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Millions of Americans continue to suffer the effects of the heavy and excessive use of different substances. Today, there is a lot of talk around risky substance use; so much talk that we’re bound to believe that it has grave consequences on humans. So what exactly is risky substance use? Let’s find out together.

The National Institute on Alcohol And Alcoholism (NIAAA) has laid down some guidelines for safe alcohol use. Consumption beyond these guidelines could be considered risky. According to the NIAAA guidelines, women who take more than 3 drinks in a day or 7 in a week are engaged in risky substance use. For men, taking more than 4 drinks in a day or 14 in a week is considered risky.

There are several other conditions that determine risky alcohol use according to the NIAAA. Any consumption for people younger than 21, pregnant women, individuals who take prescription medication that may be affected by alcohol, and people with certain medical conditions like liver disease is also considered risky. Individuals attempting to drive, operate some sort of heavy machinery or participate in activities that require their attention and skill, as well as people recovering from alcohol abuse, or with difficulties limiting their drinking levels are not recommended to drink. If they do, they are engaging in risky substance use.

Other components of risky use of substances include; misusing controlled prescription drugs, using illegal drugs, and using tobacco or nicotine products. These are normal practices but they have grave consequences on the health of victims. That is probably why they are considered risky substance use.