Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain disease characterized by a pattern of symptoms that cause significant distress. According to SAMHSA guidelines and DSM-5 criteria, there are 11 specific indicators used to assess and classify the severity of the disorder.
Key signs and examples of these criteria include:
- Impaired Control: This involves using larger amounts of a substance or using it over longer periods than originally intended.
- Failed Quit Attempts: Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop substance use without success.
- Cravings: Experiencing intense urges to use the substance that interfere with daily life.
- Giving Up Activities: Skipping work, hobbies, or social events because of substance use.
- Tolerance: Needing increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal: Experiencing physical or emotional discomfort when stopping use, or using the substance specifically to avoid these symptoms.
- Risky Use and Social Problems: Continuing to use the substance despite experiencing harmful consequences or social and interpersonal issues.
SUD is classified based on the number of criteria met: mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), or severe (6 or more symptoms). Identifying these signs early is the first step toward seeking treatment.
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