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Substance - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Lucy Vinson

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In GCSE Psychology, the term substance refers to any material that can have an effect on the mind or body when consumed. This includes legal substances like alcohol and prescription medicines, as well as illegal ones like cannabis and cocaine. These substances can change the way people feel, think, or behave, and some can lead to addiction, where a person feels a strong need to keep using the substance. Understanding substances is important in GCSE Psychology as it helps explain behaviours and mental health issues linked to drug use.

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Lucy Vinson

Reviewer: Lucy Vinson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Lucy has been a part of Save My Exams since 2024 and is responsible for all things Psychology & Social Science in her role as Subject Lead. Prior to this, Lucy taught for 5 years, including Computing (KS3), Geography (KS3 & GCSE) and Psychology A Level as a Subject Lead for 4 years. She loves teaching research methods and psychopathology. Outside of the classroom, she has provided pastoral support for hundreds of boarding students over a four year period as a boarding house tutor.

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