What is drug & Alcohol addiction?

Substance Use Disorder is defined in terms of clinically significant distress and impairment, not in terms of physiological dependence.

DSM 5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorder

A problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

  1. Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

  2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

  3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain substance, use substance, or recover from its effects.

  4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use substance.

  5. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

  6. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of substance.

  7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.

  8. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.

  9. Substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by substance.

  10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

    1. A need for markedly increased amounts of substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.

    2. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance.

    3. Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.

  11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

    1. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for substance

    2. Substance (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

    3. Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.

Severity:

  • Mild: two to three symptoms

  • Moderate: four to five

  • Severe: six or more