Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition

AKA: DSM-5

The main manual used by clinicians to diagnose mental health and substance use disorders.

In the context of addiction treatment:
“Substance Use Disorder (mild, moderate, severe)” diagnoses come from DSM-5 criteria, not from vague ideas like “problem drinker.”

What to know:

• Insurance usually requires a DSM-5 diagnosis to cover treatment.

• DSM-5 uses 11 criteria to rate the severity of a substance use disorder.

Example:
A provider may diagnose “Severe Opioid Use Disorder, per DSM-5” after an intake assessment.