I) DSM IV SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE
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:
a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
b) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
b) 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)
The diagnosis should specify “With Physiological Dependence” (either item 1 or 2 is present)
or “Without Physiological Dependence” (neither item 1 nor 2 is present).
Substance use and intoxication have grown to be one of the most expensive public health and safety issue in Los Angeles and Orange County. Los Angeles and Orange County devote millions of dollars annually in police, emergency medical, public health and public justice due to substance use and intoxication.
If you have questions whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if you believe you or a loved one may be an addict please click here.
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