Which criteria is included in the diagnosis of substance abuse?

The inclusion of persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by substance use is a key criterion in the diagnosis of substance abuse. This aspect emphasizes the impact that substance use has on an individual's relationships and social functioning. If a person's substance use leads to difficulties in maintaining relationships, fulfilling family obligations, or managing responsibilities at work, it suggests that the substance is affecting their overall quality of life and interpersonal dynamics.

This criterion is indicative of the broader implications of substance abuse, highlighting that it is not just about the substance itself, but also about how it disrupts the individual's ability to engage positively with their social circle and community. Clinicians use this criterion to assess the extent of impairment that substance use causes in an individual’s life, helping to distinguish substance use disorders from less severe substance-related issues.

Other criteria such as loss of control, increased tolerance, and clinical withdrawal symptoms are certainly important in understanding substance use disorders, but the specific focus on social and interpersonal problems speaks to the real-world consequences of substance abuse, making it a critical component of the diagnostic criteria.