Psychotherapy High Wycombe Psychotherapy High Wycombe - Last updated 07 January 2026

DSM Reference Home

DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR:

Substance Use Disorder

This term encompasses both dependence on and abuse of drugs usually taken voluntarily for the purpose of their effect on the central nervous system (usually referred to as intoxication or "high") or to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms. These mental disorders form a subcategory of the substance-related disorders.

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. Washington, DC, APA, 1994

Associated with these drugs: alcohol, amphetamine-like, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, sedatives, hypnotics

Also: drug abuse, substance dependence, alcoholism, addiction, SUD

The online Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists most of the major psychological disorders and illnesses and lists the criteria that must be fulfilled in order for a diagnosis to be made. This resource is not a substitute for proper professional psychiatric diagnosis.