Addictive substance use

What it means

Chronic compulsive drug seeking and continued use despite harmful consequences.

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), drug addiction may be characterized by manifestations including: (1) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended; (2) A persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the substance; (3) substantial time and effort spent to obtain the substance; (4) Craving; (5) Recurrent use of the substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations; (6) Continued use of the substance despite interpersonal problems caused by substance use; (7) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up (8) Recurrent use of the substance even in situations in which it is physically hazardous; (9) Use of the substance despite awareness of its problematic consequences; (10) Tolerance; and (11) Withdrawal symptoms.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Addictive drug use · Drug addiction