Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people suffered from addiction in 2022.[1]

The clinical term for addiction is substance use disorder (SUD). This condition is characterized by being unable to control how much of a substance you use, developing a tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you are not using the drug.

You can have a substance use disorder if you are addicted to alcohol, marijuana, meth, heroin, prescription medications, and any other mind-altering drug.

Most people get diagnosed with an addiction after their family and friends suggest they are struggling with substance abuse. Your doctor or therapist might be the one to bring up the topic of addiction if they notice a pattern of drug and alcohol misuse.

Either way, there are specific criteria you must meet to be formally diagnosed.

How Does an Addiction Get Diagnosed?

Oftentimes, addiction is not evident to the person struggling with it. If you are engaging in frequent substance abuse, you might not realize that you have a problem until someone else brings it to your attention. As a result, the diagnostic process often begins with a comment from a family member or friend.

Once a loved one comments on your drug or alcohol use, you are more likely to reach out for help. You might visit a doctor, a therapist, or an addiction specialist to talk about your substance abuse.

However, it is most likely that your addiction will not be formally diagnosed until you arrive at an addiction treatment facility. You will likely enter detox once you realize you have a problem, where you will be assessed to determine if you have a substance use disorder.

Understanding the Diagnostic Criteria for Substance Use Disorder

Professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine if you have a substance use disorder. This book was created by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to help mental health professionals diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions. Substance use disorder is just one of the conditions covered in the resource.

The DSM recognizes 10 classes of substance-related disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, hypnotics, and stimulants. Addiction can range in severity, so it is also a protocol for determining whether a substance use disorder is mild, moderate, or severe.

According to the DSM, the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder include:[2]

• Wanting to cut down or stop using a substance but being unable to
• Taking a substance in larger amounts or for a longer time than intended
• Experiencing desires or urges to abuse drugs or alcohol
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of a drug
• Continuing to use a substance despite experiencing interpersonal relationship issues
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work due to substance use
• Continuing substance abuse even though it is causing physical or psychological problems
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities because you’d rather be using substances
• Using drugs or alcohol in risky situations such as while driving
• Needing to increase the dose of a substance to experience the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol

If you have 2 to 3 of these symptoms, you have a mild substance use disorder. 4 to 5 symptoms indicate a moderate addiction, while 6 and over means you have a severe substance use disorder.

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What Type of Treatment is Used After an Addiction Diagnosis?

Once you have been diagnosed with an addiction, there are several types of treatment that your doctor might recommend.

Most of the time, medical detox is the first step in recovery, as it helps you overcome withdrawal symptoms. If you have a mild substance use disorder, you might be able to use outpatient treatment as a standalone option. If you have a moderate to severe addiction, you should attend inpatient and outpatient as a part of a continuum of care.

The main types of treatment for substance use disorders include:

• Medical Detox – Medical detox involves the use of treatments like IV fluids, medications to control withdrawal symptoms, and psychological support. The goal of detox is to help you stay safe and comfortable during the withdrawal portion of recovery.

• Inpatient Rehab – Inpatient rehab requires you to live at a facility for 30 to 90 days while you receive evidence-based behavioral therapies and create a relapse prevention plan. It is the most intensive form of addiction treatment. They often include services for co-occurring mental health conditions.

• Outpatient Treatment – Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while you receive addiction care like individual therapy and group counseling. This is a less intensive treatment option that requires you to be accountable for your sobriety. It can be used as a step-down program after you complete inpatient rehab.

Find Help for Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

If you or a loved one suffers from a substance use disorder, it’s time to seek help. Charlotte Detox Center is here to help you overcome withdrawal and complete the first step of recovery from addiction.

Contact us today to learn more about the importance of detox and how we can help.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
2. Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale