DSM-V Criteria for diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recognises drug misuse as a specific disorder, known as substance misuse disorder and categorises it by the following criteria:-

Criterion A criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorder:-

Individual may take the substance in larger amounts or over a longer time period than was originally intended
The individual may express a persistent desire to cut down or regulate substance use and may report multiple unsuccessful efforts to decrease or discontinue use.
The individual may spend a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using the substance or recovering from its effects. In some cases of severe substance use disorders, virtually all of the individual’s daily activities revolve around the substance
Craving is manifested by an intense desire or urge for the drug that may occur at any time but is more likely when in an environment where the drug is or was previously used. Craving= a time when the urge was so strong they could not think of anything else
Recurrent substance misuse may result in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school or home
The individual may continue substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social/ interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance
Important social, occupational or recreational activities may be given up or reduced because of substance use
Recurrent substance misuse in situations where it is physically hazardous
The individual may continue substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance
Tolerance is signalled by requiring a markedly increased dose of the substance to achieve the desired effect or a markedly reduced effect when the usual dose is consumed (may have to establish via lab tests)
Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of the substance, leading to the substance being consumed to relieve the symptoms

Mild= 2-3 criteria

Moderate= 4-5 criteria

Severe= 6+ criteria

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Drug

Abuse

DSM-V Criteria for diagnosis

Individual may take the substance in larger amounts or over a longer time period than was originally intended

The individual may express a persistent desire to cut down or regulate substance use and may report multiple unsuccessful efforts to decrease or discontinue use.

The individual may spend a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using the substance or recovering from its effects. In some cases of severe substance use disorders, virtually all of the individual’s daily activities revolve around the substance

Craving is manifested by an intense desire or urge for the drug that may occur at any time but is more likely when in an environment where the drug is or was previously used. Craving= a time when the urge was so strong they could not think of anything else

Recurrent substance misuse may result in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school or home

The individual may continue substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social/ interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance

Important social, occupational or recreational activities may be given up or reduced because of substance use

Recurrent substance misuse in situations where it is physically hazardous

The individual may continue substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance

Tolerance is signalled by requiring a markedly increased dose of the substance to achieve the desired effect or a markedly reduced effect when the usual dose is consumed (may have to establish via lab tests)