If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re really addicted to drugs or alcohol, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, or DSM-5, can not only answer that question but tell you whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe. It’s a handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the rest of the world, and it provides descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. The first edition was published in 1952, and the fourth edition was published in 1994. Between then and 2013 when DSM-5 was released, there has been a great deal of research done about mental disorders, including addiction. In the years leading up to its publication, there were 13 scientific conferences supported by the National Institutes of Health, bringing together almost 400 international scientists.
The DSM isn’t just used for diagnosis, but it helps determine insurance and disability benefits as well as special education and social services. It lists specific symptoms and behaviors that must be present in order to diagnose someone with a particular mental illness.
Previously, substance use disorders had been split into two categories, substance abuse, and substance dependence. One of the biggest sources of debate was whether to leave this categorization as it was. With the DSM-5, these were combined into a single category called substance use disorder. The symptoms required for this diagnosis are impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (such as tolerance and withdrawal). It also describes a pattern of use over a 12 month period that includes at least two of the following:
- The substance is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- There is a constant desire or unsuccessful attempts to lessen or control the use of the substance.
- A large amount of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain or use the substance.
- Frequent use of the substance resulting in an inability to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued use of the substance despite social or interpersonal problems.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced as a result of the substance use.
- Continued use of the substance despite it being physically hazardous.
- Continued use of the substance despite physical or psychological problems that were likely caused or exacerbated by the substance.
- Tolerance, meaning either a need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
- Withdrawal, as evidenced by either of the following: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for that substance (as specified in the DSM- 5), or the substance (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
