DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders
A problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least 2 of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
1. Alcohol/drug is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended.
2. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol/drug use.
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol/drugs, use alcohol/drugs, or recover from its effects.
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol/drugs.
5. Recurrent alcohol/drug use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
6. Continued use despite having a persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol/drug use.
8. Recurrent alcohol/drug use in situations in which it is physical hazardous.
9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol/drugs.
10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a. A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol/drug to achieve intoxication or desired effect
b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol/drug
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a. The characteristics withdrawal syndrome
b. Alcohol/drug (or a closely related substance, such as benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Mild 2-3 symptoms Moderate 4-5 symptoms Severe >6 symptoms
In early remission
None of the criteria (except cravings) have been met in the past 3 – 12 months
In sustained remission
None of the criteria (except cravings) have been met in the > 12 months