I) DSM IV SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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.
Substance use and related substance problems have grown to be one of the most expensive public health and safety issue in Los Angeles and Orange County. Los Angeles and Orange County devote millions of dollars annually in police, emergency medical, public health and public justice due to substance use and related substance problems.
If you have questions whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if you believe you or a loved one may be an addict please click here.
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