Vorpahl
Psychology
Associates, LLC
Psychology
Associates, LLC
Psychotherapy Counseling Parenting Individuals Groups Teens Children Adults
Drug and Alcohol Issues
Definition of Substance Abuse:
The excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol or a drug. (There is no universally accepted definition of substance abuse.)
A definition of substance abuse that is frequently cited is that in DSM-IV, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-IV definition is as follows:
A.) A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,
as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,
school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance
use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of
children or household)
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an
automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly
conduct
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal
problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with
spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
B.) The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of
substance.
© http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24405
The excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol or a drug. (There is no universally accepted definition of substance abuse.)
A definition of substance abuse that is frequently cited is that in DSM-IV, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-IV definition is as follows:
A.) A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,
as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,
school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance
use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of
children or household)
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an
automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly
conduct
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal
problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with
spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
B.) The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of
substance.
© http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24405
Other Resources
Below are additional online resources that you may find helpful. By clicking any of these links you are leaving our site. The links are for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the services or in any other way endorse any of the organizations listed.
abovetheinfluence.com
drug-rehab.org
Teen: Alcohol and other Drugs
Center for Disease Control: Alcohol & Drugs
National Institute on Drug Abuse
HelpGuide.org
abovetheinfluence.com
drug-rehab.org
Teen: Alcohol and other Drugs
Center for Disease Control: Alcohol & Drugs
National Institute on Drug Abuse
HelpGuide.org
© 2007 - 2012 Vorpahl Psychology Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy
Recommended Reading
The following reading material is recommended by Vorpahl Psychology Associates, LLC
The following reading material is recommended by Vorpahl Psychology Associates, LLC
Additional Reading Material
Custom Search
Medfield Practice
Medfield Psychologists
Dr. Jacqueline Vorpahl
Dr. Irit Feldman
Dr. Darcy Peifer
Dr. Kristen White
Dr. Annmarie Mica
Dr. Nicole Issa
Psychological Testing
Groups & Workshops
Contact Us
Self-Help Resources
258 Main Street
Suite 7
Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: 508.242.9666
Fax: 815.572.8941
Suite 7
Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: 508.242.9666
Fax: 815.572.8941