What term refers to the misuse of chemical substances, including dependence on alcohol or drugs?

The term that best encapsulates the misuse of chemical substances, particularly the dependence on alcohol or drugs, is "Chemical Abuse." Chemical abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances—especially those that are illicit or used beyond their intended medical purpose. This term covers the spectrum of behaviors associated with both the habitual use of substances and the consequences that often accompany such behaviors, including addiction.

The term "Chemical Misuse" generally refers to the incorrect or inappropriate use of substances, which may not always indicate a dependency or addiction. "Substance Misuse" often entails the inappropriate use of medications or legal substances but may also imply a lesser degree of abuse. "Drug Addiction" specifically emphasizes the compulsive nature of drug use and dependency, which is a narrower concept than chemical abuse that might also include non-drug substances. Thus, while all terms relate to the improper use of substances, "Chemical Abuse" most accurately describes the comprehensive idea of dependency on substances like alcohol and drugs.