Diagnostic Criteria for Chemical Dependency
There are seven diagnostic criteria for chemical dependency. If a person meets three of the criteria
for any one substance, they are said to be dependent on that substance. These criteria were
developed by the American Psychiatric Association, and are used by therapists all over the world
to diagnose the presence and severity of substance use disorders.
American Psychiatric Association Diagnoses
Diagnostic Criteria For Dependence (from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders).
- Change in Tolerance: as evidenced by needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect as when you first used the substance.
- Withdrawal: as evidenced by the classic withdrawal syndrome for the substance. Withdrawal from alcohol includes tremors, diaphoresis (sweating profusely), increased blood pressure, and sleeplessness upon discontinuation of use.
- The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended.
- There is (or has been) a persistent desire, or unsuccessful efforts to cut down, control, or discontinue substance use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities related to the substance. Such activities include obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of the substance.
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced as a result of the substance use.
- The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a problems that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.
Diagnostic Criteria for Abuse
- continued use despite problems in functioning in one or more areas, including, Family, Legal, Employment or Education, Social, and Health problems due to use. This is basically the same as criteria number seven for dependence.
