William H. Reading, MD
Psychiatric Disorders
Alcohol/Drug Abuse and Dependence
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
A pattern of substance use, not meeting the criteria for substance dependence, that leads to significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household) Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use) Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
A maladaptive pattern of substance (alcohol) 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:
- Tolerance, as defined by either (a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or (b) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
- Withdrawal upon cessation of use if there is not substitution of the same or closely related substance
- The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
- 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, or recover from its effects
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
- 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. continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).