Substance Use Harm
Dimension 335 of 1,100 · Health Lens
Substance Use Harm measures the extent to which alcohol or drug use is experienced as harmful, disruptive, and difficult to control. It encompasses cravings, tolerance, risky use, functional impairment, and physical, emotional, or interpersonal consequences tied to substance use.
Low Substance Use Harm
Expressions activating this band describe substance use, temptation, or efforts toward sobriety with limited clear evidence of sustained harmful consequences. The experience is framed around use history, exposure, or emerging difficulty resisting substances rather than established life disruption.
Moderate Substance Use Harm
Expressions activating this band describe substance use as interfering with daily functioning and self-control, including cravings, tolerance, social unreliability, risky behavior, and trouble in important roles. Harm is recognizable and behaviorally consequential, but is expressed mainly through ongoing problems rather than severe collapse.
High Substance Use Harm
Expressions activating this band describe substance use as producing serious and pervasive consequences, including medical problems, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and lasting difficulty living in line with personal values. Harm is experienced as broad, significant, and clearly linked to alcohol or drug use.