Which term describes turning to substances to hide emotional pain?

• A. Use
• B. Abuse
• C. Misuse
• D. Ignore

Answer: (B)

Turning to substances to hide emotional pain is a maladaptive coping behavior usually described as substance abuse. This term captures using drugs or alcohol in a way that harms well-being or becomes a primary way of escaping those feelings, rather than simply trying the substance or using it correctly. The neutral act of use isn’t enough to describe coping with pain, and misuse implies improper use without necessarily signaling a pattern aimed at masking emotions. Ignoring the feeling has nothing to do with actually using substances. In short, abuse reflects the problematic, pain-masking pattern described in the prompt.