Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol or Drug Abuse

Substance Use Disorders (as summarized from DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria):

Dependence

Dependence – recurrent substance use resulting in at least 3 of the following symptoms in a 12-month period:

1. Tolerance – a need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve desired effect OR significant decrease in effect using the same amount.
2. Withdrawal – as shown by the specific symptoms characteristic of a particular substance OR using a substance to avoid or relieve the particular withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time.
4. Persistent desire to control the substance use is unsuccessful.
5. Considerable time is spent associated with the substance, i.e. obtaining, using, etc.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are reduced or avoided.
7. Continued use despite knowledge of having recurrent physical or psychological problems caused by the substance, i.e. depression or ulcer.

Abuse

Abuse – recurrent substance use resulting in significant impairment or distress expressed by 1 or more of the following in a 12-month period (and the symptoms have never met the criteria for dependence).

1. Failure to meet obligations at work, school, or home, i.e. repeated absences, expulsion, etc.
2. Using in hazardous conditions, i.e. while driving.
3. Legal problems, i.e. arrests.
4. Continued use despite creation or exacerbation of social or interpersonal problems.