What Are Substance Use Disorders?
The terms substance abuse, dependence and addiction are broad and can cause confusion as people interpret their meaning differently. It is important to look at terminology in order to better communicate the issues surrounding this health condition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition’s (1994) purpose is to clearly describe diagnostic categories in order to diagnose, communicate about, study, and treat mental disorders (p. xxvii). Additionally, the DSM-IV (1994) defines substance abuse, substance dependence and categorizes substance related disorders. Top Of Page Abuse According to the DSM-IV (1994), substance abuse is a maladaptive pattern of substance use characterized by repeated and significant adverse consequences related to the repeated use of substances. Also, there may be repeated failure to fulfill major role obligations, repeated use in situations in which it is physically hazardous, cause multiple legal problems, and recurrent social and i
Related Questions
- What have population surveys revealed about substance use disorders and their co-morbidity with other mental disorders?
- What is the most effective way to treat people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders?
- Does temperament moderate treatment response in adolescent substance use disorders?
