This is when you have active-phase symptoms of schizophrenia and, at the same time as those symptoms, you have symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depressive or manic episodes. If you or someone you care about may have an addiction, talk to your provider right away. Addiction is a chronic (lifelong) condition that involves compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity despite negative or harmful consequences. Do not diagnose BPD during acute crisis states – Longitudinal observation is essential to distinguish pervasive personality patterns from episodic psychiatric syndromes 7.
Your provider may want to do a physical exam and may request blood and urine tests. These tests give your provider information about your overall health. Substances send massive surges of dopamine through your brain, too, as well as certain activities, like having sex or spending money. But instead of motivating you to do the things you need to do to survive (eat, work and spend time with loved ones), such massive dopamine levels can have damaging effects on your thoughts, feelings and behavior.
Mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists, rely on the DSM-5-TR to ensure that diagnoses are accurate, consistent, and rooted in clinical research. When someone is evaluated for a possible substance abuse diagnosis, clinicians use this manual to assess patterns of behavior, emotional responses, and physical effects that align with an SUD. Instead, it follows a set of criteria outlined in a comprehensive manual called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This guide, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, is widely considered the gold standard for diagnosing mental health conditions, including those related to substance use.
It also emphasizes the patterns of behavior and resulting consequences rather than relying solely on physical dependence. By exploring the DSM-5’s definition of substance use disorder (SUD), the specific diagnostic criteria, and supportive resources, you can be more prepared to recognize early warning signs and seek help if needed. Some substance use disorder may show clear signs of dependence, while others hover in a gray area, unsure whether their substance use is problematic.
It typically involves an overpowering desire to use cannabis, increased tolerance to the cannabis and/or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. It is often characterized by an inability to stop using a substance, despite an adverse effect on your daily life. No matter where you are on your recovery journey, treatment and support can help you recover from substance use disorder and addiction.



