The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5), no longer uses the terms substance abuse and substance dependence. Instead, it refers to substance use disorders, which are defined as mild, moderate, or severe to indicate the level of severity, which is determined by the number of diagnostic criteria met by an individual.

Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.

See reference for details.

Adapted from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Substance use disorders. Internet. Accessed on January 2016.