When Is Drug Use a Disorder?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person may be diagnosed with substance use disorder when drug use continues despite significant life disruption. Resulting brain changes may persist after quitting use of the substance (thus leading to strong cravings when exposed to people and situations that trigger memories of drug use). The severity of substance use disorder varies from mild (two to three of these indicators) to moderate (four to five indicators) to severe (six or more indicators). (Source: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.)
