substance dependence

substance dependence,

a maladaptive pattern of substance abuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by three or more episodes within a 12-month period of tolerance, withdrawal, or use of larger amounts or, over a longer period, a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to control substance abuse or investment of a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the substance.

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substance dependence

Psychiatry A maladaptive pattern of substance abuse, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; DSD is formally defined by the DSM-IV as the presence of 3 or more clinical criteria. See Substance abuse.

Substance dependence–3+ of following

1.  Tolerance, either

 a. A need for ↑ amounts, or

 b. ↓ Effect with continued use of same amount of substance

2  Withdrawal symptoms

3.  The substance is taken in larger amounts than intended

4.  A persistent but unsuccessful desire to ↓ substance intake

5.  Much time is spent in activities needed to obtaining the substance or recovering from its effects

6.  Important occupational, social, or recreational activities are sacrificed because of substance use

7.  Continued substance use despite user's knowledge of its adverse physical and/or psychological effects

Modified from *Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th ed, Wash, DC, Am Psychiatric Assn, 1994