Criteria of Dependence on Psychoactive Substances
List of the Criteria of Dependence on Psychoactive Substances
1. The repeated (unsuccessful) effort to cut down or control
substance abuse;
2. The frequent intoxication or impairment by substance use
when one is expected to fulfill social or occupational
obligations (for example, absence from work because of
being hung over or high, going to work high, driving
when drunk);
3. The need for increased amounts of the substance in order
to achieve intoxication or the desired effect, or
experiencing diminished effect with continued use of the
same amount of the substance (tolerance);
4. The experiencing of a substance-specific syndrome
following cessation or reduction of intake of the
substance (withdrawal);
5. The frequent preoccupation with seeking or taking the
substance;
6. The relinquishing of some important social, occupational,
or recreational activity in order to seek or take the
substance;
7. The frequent use of a psychoactive substance to relieve or
avoid withdrawal symptoms (for example, taking a drink
to relieve morning shakes);
8. The frequent use of the substance in larger doses or over
a longer period;
9. The continuation of substance use despite a physical or
mental disorder, or despite a significant social problem
that the individual knows is made worse by the use of the
substance;
10. The presence of a mental or physical disorder or
condition that is usually a complication of prolonged substance use.
1. The repeated (unsuccessful) effort to cut down or control
substance abuse;
2. The frequent intoxication or impairment by substance use
when one is expected to fulfill social or occupational
obligations (for example, absence from work because of
being hung over or high, going to work high, driving
when drunk);
3. The need for increased amounts of the substance in order
to achieve intoxication or the desired effect, or
experiencing diminished effect with continued use of the
same amount of the substance (tolerance);
4. The experiencing of a substance-specific syndrome
following cessation or reduction of intake of the
substance (withdrawal);
5. The frequent preoccupation with seeking or taking the
substance;
6. The relinquishing of some important social, occupational,
or recreational activity in order to seek or take the
substance;
7. The frequent use of a psychoactive substance to relieve or
avoid withdrawal symptoms (for example, taking a drink
to relieve morning shakes);
8. The frequent use of the substance in larger doses or over
a longer period;
9. The continuation of substance use despite a physical or
mental disorder, or despite a significant social problem
that the individual knows is made worse by the use of the
substance;
10. The presence of a mental or physical disorder or
condition that is usually a complication of prolonged substance use.