Addiction is a medical condition with clear diagnostic criteria, not a character flaw. Clinicians use the DSM-5, the standard diagnostic manual, to diagnose a substance use disorder and judge how severe it is.
The 11 criteria
Over the past 12 months, has the substance led to:
- Using more, or for longer, than intended
- Wanting or trying to cut down without success
- Spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering
- Cravings
- Falling behind at work, school or home
- Continuing despite relationship problems it causes
- Giving up important activities
- Using in physically dangerous situations
- Continuing despite physical or mental health problems it causes
- Tolerance: needing more for the same effect
- Withdrawal when stopping
Severity
Two or three criteria is mild, four or five is moderate, and six or more is severe. Tolerance and withdrawal do not count when they come from a medicine taken as prescribed.
Why this matters
A clear diagnosis guides the right level of care and opens the door to proven treatments, including medication and counseling. If several of these sound familiar, an evaluation is a good next step.
Help at Hope Addiction Medicine
Our team combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies, in person at our West Ashley office in Charleston and by telehealth when appropriate. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment or call our office.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber. If someone may be overdosing, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using the 11 DSM-5 criteria over the past 12 months, such as cravings, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and continuing despite problems. Two or more criteria meet the diagnosis.
Two or three criteria is mild, four or five is moderate, and six or more is severe.
Not by itself. Tolerance and withdrawal do not count toward the diagnosis when they come from a medicine taken as prescribed.