|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Assessment and Diagnosis of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is defined as using a substance over a period of time despite continued problems and major life disruptions. The American Psychological Association's criteria for substance abuse is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (the DSM-IV). Substance dependence is what develops if substance abuse does not stop.

  1. DSM IV Criteria 1

    • Child neglect

      Substance use interferes with major role obligations, such as school, employment and family roles. Examples include a pattern of absences from work, school or major family events or being fired or being impaired on the job. Other examples are when substance use interferes with the proper care of children and household tasks. Child neglect and abuse may go hand-in-hand with substance abuse and dependence.

    DSM IV Criteria 2

    • Driving while under the influence

      Criteria 2 describes frequent use of a substance, despite full knowledge of the dangers associated with it. Examples would include driving or operating heavy machinery while using the substance.

    DSM IV Criteria 3

    • Legal problems

      Criteria 3 cites frequent legal problems for substance use. Examples include arrests for domestic violence or driving under the influence.

    DSM IV Criteria 4

    • Arguments over substance use

      Continued use of substance(s) regardless of the social and relationship problems that it causes is described in Criteria 4. Examples include frequent arguments over substance use with a spouse or other loved one. Sometimes physical fights can erupt over the issue of continued substance use. Domestic violence is highest in households where there is substance abuse.

    Diagnosis of Substance Abuse

    • Substance abuse over time

      The diagnosis of substance abuse is given when one or more of the above criteria are met within the last year. Substance abuse is a pattern of use that severely disrupts a person's life on every level, physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and financially.

    DSM V Proposed Revisions

    • DSM V propsed revisions

      It is proposed that, in the upcoming DSM V, there will no longer be a distinction between substance abuse and substance dependence. Both conditions will be under a continuum of "Substance Use Disorders" with varying severity, according to the American Psychological Association.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles