ABSTRACT
Alcohol and substance use and dependence is characterized by the excessive use of alcohol or subtances, withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance, craving, salience of the substance-seeking behavior, narrowing of the drug use repertoire, and impairments in social and occupational functioning. Alcohol and substance dependence are associated with road traffi c accidents, head injury, infections, and vitamin and nutritional deficiencies. The excessive use of alcohol and substances affects many systems in the body, particularly liver function.
