Specifically referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, the DSM-V (DSM-5) is the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s big book on every mental illness known to man, including the monsters called substance use disorders. Over the course of decades, psychiatrists and other medical professionals have compounded pages of clinical reports to bring us a full definition of this terrible mental illness. So, on that note, what are the criteria for substance abuse disorders as dictated by the DSM-V? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Defining a Substance Use Disorder
Based on the DSM-V definition, a substance use disorder stems from an attachment to 1 of 10 different drug classes. Keep in mind that unknown types of drugs are also listed as a possible cause for this mental illness. Overall, these drugs categories include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis (marijuana)
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Sedatives (or hypnotics)
- Stimulants (excluding caffeine)
- Tobacco
- Unknown substances
As part of the entry, the DSM-V recognizes that not everyone is wired (so to speak) to develop a substance use disorder, as some people may have extremely low self-control that could also serve as a risk factor. The DSM-V recognizes two types of substances use disorders:
- Substance Use Disorders: a string of symptoms stemming from an inability to stop taking a harmful substance, despite knowledge that it is bad for the victim
- Substance-Induced Disorders: types of problems including withdrawal, intoxication, or other issues that are medically-induced
Criteria for Your Consideration
As indicated in the manual, the following criteria indicate a substance use disorder:
- Consuming a substance in harmfully large amounts or taking longer than instructed
- Failure to stop using a substance
- Spending a great deal of time retrieving or withdrawing from the substance
- Suffering from severe cravings for a substance
- Failing in the workplace and at home due to the use of a substance
- Using a substance despite potential harms to a relationship
- Giving up on favorite pastimes or activities due to substance use
- Continuous use of a substance despite knowledge that it is harmful
- Continuous use despite knowledge of an existing psychological or physical problem
- Desire to take more and more of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Suffering from withdrawal symptoms
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Whether you are an addict or not, you have most likely witnessed society’s insensitivity toward drug addicts and alcoholics and may have even let some of these thoughts pass through your mind. We have been programmed to think negatively about these poor men and women for so long that showing cruelty to them can sometimes be second nature. While bad behavior should never be condoned, we have to remember that some of these people are willing to change. However, you must keep in mind that anyone can change at any time, as long as they consciously make an effort.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or alcoholism or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
