Identifying Addiction: Procedures and Standards
In the complex world of addiction, it is essential to understand that the condition is a chronic and difficult-to-treat problem that relies heavily on the person or those close to them acknowledging and wanting to address it. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides a standardised framework to diagnose addiction based on shared characteristics across substances.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is defined by the DSM-5 as a pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, based on at least two criteria being present over a 12-month period. Common signs of addiction, as outlined in the DSM-5 and supported by clinical observations, include impaired control over use, social impairment, risky use, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that specific physical and psychological symptoms can vary depending on the drug involved.
For instance, methamphetamine addiction often presents with feelings of euphoria, excitability, paranoia, compulsive movements, irritability, mood swings, reduced need for sleep and food, hallucinations, and physical signs such as dry mouth and dental damage. Cocaine addiction, on the other hand, may display symptoms like dilated pupils, excitability, increased heart rate, insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, intense cravings, risky behaviors, and tolerance.
Hallucinogen addiction can involve anxiety attacks, paranoia, flashbacks, and chronic perceptual disorders, while ketamine addiction is marked by loss of control over use, continued use despite harm, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, impairment in social or occupational functioning, and physical problems such as bladder issues. Alcohol addiction commonly involves loss of control over drinking, tolerance, social and occupational impairment, and continued use despite awareness of harm.
The diagnostic process for SUD typically involves a physical examination, blood work to assess overall health, and a series of questions about the frequency of use, impairment of daily living, and withdrawal symptoms. If a person demonstrates two of the above criteria within a 12-month period, they may receive a diagnosis of SUD.
In some parts of East Asia, clinics exist to treat gaming addiction, indicating a growing recognition of the potential for addiction to extend beyond traditional substances. However, the concept of video game addiction is controversial, and the DSM-5 does not currently recognise it as a diagnosis.
It is also worth noting that the DSM-5 does not acknowledge sex addiction as a diagnosis. On the other hand, gambling addiction was first included in the definition with the DSM-V. Suggestions have been made that smartphone addiction is a developing condition and fits within the criteria of addiction.
In conclusion, addiction signs across substances focus on impaired control, social impairment, risky use, tolerance, and withdrawal, though specific physical and psychological symptoms vary depending on the drug involved. The DSM-5 criteria provide a valuable tool in diagnosing addiction based on these shared characteristics. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare professional who can guide you through the diagnostic process and provide appropriate treatment options.
In the health-and-wellness arena, the diagnostic process for Substance Use Disorder (SUD)—as defined by the DSM-5—requires a person to exhibit impaired control over use, social impairment, risky use, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms for a 12-month period. The health-and-wellness field also recognizes the significance of mental health in addiction, with the DSM-5 offering therapies-and-treatments for various substances, such as the treatment of gambling addiction or the potential diagnosis of smartphone addiction in the future.
