Understanding Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are problems related to using drugs or alcohol. Two important tools help doctors and mental health professionals understand and diagnose SUDs: the DSM-5 and the ICD-10. These tools are like guides that help with treatment and research in mental health.

What is the DSM-5?

The DSM-5 lists 11 signs that can show if someone has a substance use problem. If a person has a certain number of these signs, it helps to figure out how serious the problem is:

1. Tolerance: Needing to use more of the substance to feel the same effects.
2. Withdrawal: Feeling sick when not using the substance or using it to avoid feeling bad.
3. Using more than planned: Taking more of the substance than you meant to over a longer time.
4. Wanting to cut down: Wanting to stop or reduce use but struggling to do so.
5. Time spent: Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance.
6. Problems at work or school: Not being able to meet important responsibilities because of substance use.
7. Using despite problems: Continuing to use even when it’s causing issues with friends or family.
8. Giving up activities: Stopping or doing less of meaningful activities because of substance use.
9. Hazardous situations: Using the substance in dangerous situations.
10. Craving: Having a strong urge to use the substance.
11. Legal issues: Getting in trouble with the law because of substance use.

Doctors use these signs to tell how severe the disorder is: mild (2-3 signs), moderate (4-5 signs), or severe (6 or more signs).

What is the ICD-10?

The ICD-10 looks at SUDs a little differently. It uses these four main signs:

1. Psychological dependence: Feeling a strong need to use the substance.
2. Physical dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
3. Tolerance: Needing to use more of the substance to feel its effects.
4. Harmful use: Continuing to use it even when it causes health problems or issues in life.

How Common are Substance Use Disorders?

In 2020, around 19.3 million adults in the U.S. had a substance use disorder. That’s about 7.4% of all adults. Many people with SUDs, over 70%, also face other mental health problems.

Conclusion

Both the DSM-5 and ICD-10 help professionals recognize and treat substance use disorders effectively. They make sure everyone gets the right care and has a better chance of recovery.