The compound adjective "substance-abusing" is a modern formation from two distinct Latin-derived roots. "Substance" originates from 'substantia', meaning "that which stands under," referring to essential nature or physical matter. "Abusing" stems from 'abuti', literally "to use away from" its proper purpose, implying misuse or harm. Combined in contemporary English, the term logically denotes the specific misuse of physical matter, typically psychoactive drugs, shifting from the abstract concepts of essence and improper use to a concrete descriptor of harmful behavioral patterns.

Structure: substance (material) + abusing (misusing) substance: From Latin 'substantia' (essence, material), via Old French. Functions as a noun root meaning a particular kind of matter. abusing: From Latin 'abusus', past participle of 'abuti' (to misuse), via Old French. The suffix '-ing' converts the verb 'abuse' into a present participle/adjective.