Table 9.

DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria (generic)4

A problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress is manifested by two or more of the following within a 12-month period:

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

2. A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use of substance.

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

4. Craving or a strong desire or urge to use the 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 its effects.

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

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

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

10. Tolerance.

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

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

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

11. Withdrawal.

A. See DSM-5 for description of substance-specific withdrawal syndromes.

B. Substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

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

DSM5 severity specifiers: Mild – Two to three criteria met; Moderate – Four to five criteria met; Severe – Six or more criteria met