Module 2: Key Terms

alcohol use disorder (AUD): diagnosis for a person whose pattern of alcohol use reflects a sufficient number of the diagnostic criteria (using the DSM-5; incorporates criteria for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence reflected in the older DSM-IV).

biopsychosocial: a framework for explaining human behavior that integrates biological, psychological, and social context elements and their interactions.

mild substance use disorder: diagnosis applied when a person experiences two or three of the 11 SUD symptoms identified in the DSM-5.

moderate substance use disorder: diagnosis applied when a person experiences four or five of the 11 SUD symptoms identified in the DSM-5.

polysubstance misuse: a term that reflects a person’s problematic use of more than one type of substance.

severe substance use disorder: diagnosis applied when a person experiences six or more of the 11 SUD symptoms identified in the DSM-5.

substance misuse: use of a substance or substances leading to the person experiencing problems in the social, psychological, physical, and/or legal domain.

substance use disorder (SUD): diagnosis for a person whose pattern of substance use reflects a sufficient number of the diagnostic criteria (using the DSM-5; diagnoses are specific to the type of substance used).

substance withdrawal: a separate diagnosis that may or may not accompany the diagnosis of a substance use disorder and involves either the presence of a withdrawal syndrome characteristic for the substance that has been withdrawn, or the use of that substance or closely related substances to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.