subject: Specific Criteria For Drug And Alcohol Addiction [print this page] People who are into substance abuse continue to use a substance while ignoring its impact on their lives and the people around them. They'll be aware of this again when they've agreed to be treated in Dual Diagnosis Treatment. The criteria for substance abuse are defined by the American Psychological Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV or DSM- IV. When a person does not stop using a substance eventually he will be addicted to the substance.
According to the DSM-IV, when individuals use a substance, his responsibilities in life like his family, job and school roles are going to be affected. This is because they will be more likely to acquire more absences at work and school and tend to forget their duties inside their households. If they are parents, they are most likely not to give proper care to their young children which often results to child abuse and neglect.
The tendency of people who utilize substances is to continue their habit even if they are fully aware its risks. A lot of substance abusers or users still drive their cars or run machineries while they're under the influence. Many of them are scared to undergo Alcohol Treatment or drug treatment. Despite their awareness of the legal and personal implications of this habit, they still take the risks.
The DSM-IV also points out that people keep using substances despite their relationship and social problems. These can include arguments with a partner or a member of the family regarding the drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, when substance abuse is suffered by a member of a family, the environment is at risk from domestic abuse.
Substance abuse is diagnosed when one or more of the following criteria occur within a period of 12 months:
The person uses the substance in bigger dosage or perhaps in a longer range of time.
The person is not always able to stop or control his use of the substance.
He usually spends more time in activities which will help him get the substance.
He surrenders or lessens recreational, occupational and social activities.
He demonstrates rising tolerance to the substance.
Shows drawback syndromes.
Substance abuse is experienced by a user when it extremely distracts his private life emotionally, physically, socially, financially and psychologically. The coming DSM V is proposed not to separate substance dependence and substance abuse because according to the American Psychological Association, both of these disorders will be under the drug and alcohol abuse disorder category and don't have the same level of seriousness. Substance abuse can be addressed by specific programs in therapy facilities.
