chemical substance 

PHARMACOLOGY

Any substance including alcohol, drugs, or medications–e.g., those taken pursuant to a valid prescription for legitimate medical purposes, and in accordance with the prescriber’s direction, as well as those taken illegally.

The phrase is used in documents for physicians applying to licensing agencies–e.g., state medical boards, malpractice insurance carriers, 3rd-party payers, and others. 

Reference State Board Medical Examiners, NJ;

13:35-6.19