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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Apr 22.
Published in final edited form as: Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017 Aug 1;180:241–259. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.040

Table 1.

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for SUD

Criterion Symptom Description
Impaired Control
  • Taking substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.

  • Expressing a persistent desire to cut down or regulate use and may report unsuccessful efforts to do so.

  • Spending a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using the substance, or recovering from its effects.

  • Craving manifested by an intense desire or urge for the drug that may occur at any time but is more likely in an environment in which drug use has previously occurred.

Social Impairment
  • Recurrent substance use results in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

  • Continuing substance use despite persistent social/interpersonal problems exacerbated by the effects of the substance.

  • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.

Risky Use
  • Recurrent substance use in physically hazardous situations.

  • Continuing use despite knowledge that persistent physical or psychological problems are exacerbated or caused by substance use.

Pharmacology
  • Markedly increased dose of the substance required to achieve desired effect.

  • Withdrawal symptoms specific to a drug class.

Note: SUD is diagnosed with the occurrence of two or more symptoms. 2 – 3 symptoms = mild presentation, 4 – 5 symptoms = moderate presentation and 6 or more symptoms = severe presentation