The DSM-5-TR criteria forsubstance use disordersare based on decades of research and clinical knowledge.
Keep reading to learn more about the DSM-5-TR criteria for substance use disorders and how these conditions are diagnosed.
What is the most important information I should know about substance use disorders?
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What Are Substance Use Disorders?
The activation of the brains reward system is central to problems arising from drug use.
The pharmacological mechanisms for each class of drug are different.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The DSM-5-TR recognizes that people are not all automatically or equally vulnerable to developingsubstance-related disorders.
Some people have lower levels of self-control that predispose them to develop problems if exposed to drugs.
Substance-Use vs. Substance-Induced Disorders
There are two groups of substance-related disorders: substance-use disorders and substance-induced disorders.
This does not necessarily mean that they have a substance use disorder, however.
These further describe the current state of the substance use disorder.
Understanding the severity of a substance use disorder can help doctors and therapists better determine which treatments to recommend.
Choosing the appropriate level of care may improve a person’s chances of recovery.
Substance-Induced Disorders
Substance-induced disorders involve problems that are because of the effects of substances.
Types of substance-induced disorders recognized in the DSM-5-TR include substance-induced mental disorders, intoxication, and withdrawal.
To be diagnosed with withdrawal, these symptoms must not be due to another mental disorder or medical condition.
Withdrawal from some substances (such as alcohol or barbiturates) can be severe and sometimes life-threatening.
Other substances may not produce withdrawal effects when their use is halted.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe; they can also sometimes be potentially dangerous.
Talk to your doctor about how you could stop using a substance safely.
A health professional may utilize blood or urine tests to assess current drug use.
The first step is to talk to your doctor or mental health professional about your options.
Your treatment and recovery needs will vary depending on the nature and severity of your substance use.
In some cases, suddenly stopping your substance use can be risky or potentially fatal.
You should work with your doctor to devise a plan for medically-supervised detox.
Your doctor may also recommend medications that can help you recover and manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Your treatment may involve psychotherapy, such asmotivational-enhancement therapy(MET) orcognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT).
Support groups can also aid your recovery, including in-person or online options.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for treating substance use disorders.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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