ABUSERS
Affecting his life negatively, yet he continues to do it. Appointments/Assignments/work/job are affected negatively by the substance use.
(1) Stopping or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to opioid use.
(2) Repeatedly unable to carry out major obligations at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
(3) Recurrent use of the substance in physically hazardous situations.
(4) Consistent use of opioids despite acknowledgment of persistent or recurrent physical or psychological difficulties from using opioids
Burning desire or craving to use the substance. He will do anything to get it. (5)
Using the substance in larger amounts or for a longer period than was intended. (6)
Spending a lot of time obtaining the substance, using it, or recovering from its effects (7)
Endurance is increasing. How? 8) He’s developed Tolerance. 9) He withdraws if he doesn’t use it or he uses it to avoid withdrawing.**
Relationships (social or interpersonal) are being hurt by the substance use, yet the person continues to do it. He wants to cut down or quit but is not able to do it. (10)
Stopping is something he wants but he doesn’t even think he can do it. (11)
**Criteria 8 and 9 are not considered to be met if patients are taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.
DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder, http://www.buppractice.com/node/12351
A minimum of 2-3 criteria is required for a mild substance use disorder diagnosis, while 4-5 is moderate, and 6-7 is severe (APA, 2013). Opioid Use Disorder is specified instead of Substance Use Disorder, if opioids are the drug of abuse. Note: A printable checklist version is linked below