What is DSM 5 Substance Use Disorder?
Rates of substance abuse have reached epidemic proportions over the last decade, destroying lives and families in the process. While not everyone who uses drugs necessarily has a problem, certain key signs can help in determining whether a drug problem exists.
DSM 5 substance use disorder encompasses a set of criteria that helps treatment professionals identify and treat people affected by substance abuse issues. The features of DSM substance use disorder include symptoms of drug abuse as well as the adverse effects it has in a person’s daily life.
Once identified, it’s important to take the necessary steps to get treatment to prevent the effects of drug abuse from ruining your life.
DSM 5 Substance Use Disorder
DSM is an acronym for the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, a standard text used by mental health and drug treatment professionals. The “DSM V” designation indicates that this is the fifth edition of the manual with the first edition published in 1952, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The diagnosis, substance use disorder first appeared in the third DSM edition in 1980 and has since undergone a few changes in its definition. What most distinguishes substance use disorder from casual drug use lies in the effects drug use have on a person’s overall quality of life. From there, the DSM 5 substance use disorder diagnosis delineates the key components of the condition.
If you’re considering treatment and you’re not sure if your insurance will cover your treatment costs, call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) for more information.
Symptoms of DSM 5 Substance Use Disorder
A substance use disorder can lead to depression.
Symptoms of DSM 5 substance use disorder develop out of the brain’ and body’s growing dependence on drug/alcohol effects. In order to be diagnosed with this disorder, a person must exhibit at least two of the following 11 symptoms within a 12-month period:
- Loss of control over drug/alcohol use
- Investing large amounts of time obtaining substances
- Cravings
- Continued use in spite of relationship conflicts
- Risk-taking, such as using while driving
- Continued use in the face of developing health problems
- Increasing tolerance levels
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Withdrawal episodes
- Failed attempts to stop using
- Failing to meet obligations (work, home, school)
Adverse Effects
People who meet the criteria for DSM 5 substance use disorder tend to experience certain adverse effects over time due to the harm these substances inflict on the brain and body. According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, adverse effects may take the form of:
- Addiction
- Overdose
- Problems with the law
- Sexually transmitted diseases (due to risk-taking behaviors)
- Cancer
- Depression disorder
5 Most Common Mental Health Issues that Accompany Drug Addiction
Coping with a mental illness is no easy task, making drug abuse and addiction a common occurrence among those affected.
Treatment Considerations
Substance abuse problems tend to compound over time, making it increasingly difficult for a person to stop or control continued use. For this reason, it’s imperative a person get needed treatment help at the first sign of DSM V substance abuse disorder while he or she can still exercise the choice to do so.
If you suspect you or someone you know struggles with substance abuse problems and need help finding treatment that meets your needs, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addictions specialists.
