FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS*

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS SYNONYMS: alcohol or other drug (AOD) problem, alcoholism, drug dependence, addiction, etc..

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER DEFINITION : a complex behavioral disorder characterized by preoccupation with obtaining alcohol or other drugs (AOD) and a narrowing of the behavioral repertoire towards excessive consumption and loss of control over consumption.   It is usually also accompanied by the development of tolerance and withdrawal and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

A/ SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:

Definition: a maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

1/ Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

• Need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
• Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.

2/ Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

• The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance.
• The same or a closely related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

3/ The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

4/ There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

5/ A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.

6/ Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.

7/ The substance 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 the substance (e.g., current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine induced depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).

 B/ SUBSTANCE ABUSE DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

Synonyms: alcohol or other drug problem, alcoholism, drug dependence, addiction, etc.

Definition: a maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

1/ Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household).

2/ Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use).

3/ Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct).

4/ Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights).

C/ WHAT ARE THE SUBSTANCES INVOLVED IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS?

1/ Alcohol : wine, beer, liquor, whiskey, gin, vodka

2/ Amphetamines : Benzedrine, Dexedrine, methamphetamine, crystal, ice

3/ Caffeine : coffee, cola

4/ Cannabis : marijuana, hash, has oil

5/ Cocaine : crack

6/ Hallucinogens : LSD-25, psilocybin, mescaline,

7/ Inhalants : nitrous oxide, glue, gasoline

8/ Nicotine : cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco

9/ Opioids analgesics : opium, morphine, heroin, codeine, fentanyl, Demerol

10/ Phencyclidine : PCP

11/ Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics : barbiturates, Ambien, Valium, Librium, Tranxene, etc.

12/ Other : MDMA aka Ecstasy.

* Courtesy of: The Dublin Group: Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc.

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