The readings for Module 2 introduce content related to the definition and diagnosis of substance use disorders and addiction. In addition, you will read about some basic treatment principles and statistics concerning the prevalence/incidence of substance use disorders. This book includes chapters developed by the author (chapters 1-5), and public domain content published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Module 2 Reading Objectives

After engaging with these reading materials and learning resources, you should be able to:

• Describe contemporary thinking about the nature of substance use disorders;
• Identify current diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders and other forms of “behavioral” addiction;
• Interpret current statistics related to who in the population experiences substance use disorders and disparities between need for and receipt of treatment;
• Categorize most major theories about substance use disorders;
• Define key terms related to substance use disorders and addiction