DSM-5 11 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, or the DSM-5, is the medical standard based on decades of research for classifying and diagnosing mental health problems, such as substance use disorders (SUD). The DSM-5 outlined 11 criteria for addiction.
What Are the DSM-5’s Addiction Criteria?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) developed DSM-5’s 11 criteria for substance use disorders to identify and diagnose SUDs. These 11 criteria, according to criteria type, include:
Impaired control over drug and alcohol use:
- Using larger amounts longer
- You are consuming the substance for longer periods of time and in more significant amounts than intended.
- Repeated attempts to quit and control use
- You are determined to stop or cut down and have been unsuccessful.
- Much time is spent using
- You are spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from substance use.
- Cravings
- You are feeling a pressuring desire to use.
Social impairment:
- Neglected major roles to use
- Substance use is affecting your major life responsibilities, such as school, work, or home.
- Social and interpersonal problems related to use
- You continue to use regardless of severe social and interpersonal issues.
- Activities are given up to use
- You stop participating in social, work, or recreational activities because of your substance use.
Risky use:
- Hazardous Use
- You are using in unsafe places.
- Physical and psychological problems related to use
- You are persistently using despite knowing it causes phycological and physical issues.
Medical:
- Tolerance
- You continue to need higher doses of the substance to achieve the desired effect because the typical amount has less effect.
- Withdrawal
- You experience withdrawal symptoms that happen when your substance use decreases. This is when people usually seek out the substance to alleviate the symptoms.
DSM-5 Definition of a Substance Use Disorder
The DSM-IV and DSM-5’s criteria for substance use orders are two or more criteria above in 12 months. Therefore, if you have experienced any 2 of the 11 criteria, according to the DSM-5, you have a mild substance use disorder. If you have experienced 4 or 5 criteria, you have a moderate substance use disorder, and six or more is classified as a severe SUD.
Evidence-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, whether it’s a substance-induced disorder referring to the immediate effects of addiction like withdrawal or a substance-related disorder that persists after withdrawal, White Oak Recovery Center can help.
WORC has a comprehensive dual diagnosis and medication-assisted treatment program that addresses all aspects of our patient’s addiction. And with our compassionate, licensed, and expert staff, White Oak Recovery Center ensures that each patient receives genuine, personalized care.
Our evidence-based, patient-focused residential treatment center is the ideal place to give yourself a real chance at a life in recovery.
Reach out now to speak with one of our caring treatment specialists. They are eager to help.
Medical Disclaimer:
