What does the DSM-5 categorize as indicators of severity for substance use disorders?

The DSM-5 specifies that the severity of substance use disorders is primarily indicated by the number of diagnostic criteria a person meets. This includes various factors such as impaired control over substance use, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.

Meeting more criteria suggests a greater severity of the disorder, ranging from mild (2-3 criteria met) to moderate (4-5 criteria met) and to severe (6 or more criteria met). This approach provides a clear framework for clinicians to evaluate the impact of substance use on an individual's life, aiding in the development of treatment plans tailored to the severity of the disorder.

While duration of use, type of substance, and family history of addiction can offer contextual information regarding an individual's substance use, they are not direct indicators of severity as defined by the DSM-5 classification criteria. The focus shifts to how many specific behavioral and functional impacts the disorder has on the individual, which is essential in determining the appropriate level of care and intervention needed.