3. Diagnostic criteria (symptoms) are almost
identical to old abuse and dependence
diagnoses
◦ Taken in larger amounts than intended
◦ Unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control use
◦ Excessive time spent using, obtaining, or recovering
from use
◦ Failure to fulfill major role obligations
◦ Withdrawal reactions
◦ Tolerance effects
◦ Craving (new)
◦ And others…
4. Continuum instead of separate Abuse vs.
Dependence diagnoses
◦ Mild: 2-3 criteria
◦ Moderate: 4-5 criteria
◦ Severe: 6 or more criteria
New specifiers: “in a controlled environment”,
“on maintenance therapy”
Cannabis withdrawal
5. Gambling Disorder
◦ Gambling can activate the same regions of the brain
as substance use
◦ Gambling can lead to many of the same problems
Sex Addiction is NOT a diagnosable disorder!
