Substance Use Disorder

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According to DSM-5, a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) involves patterns of symptoms caused by using a substance that an individual continues taking despite its negative effects. Based on decades of research, DSM-5 points out 11 criteria that can arise from substance misuse. These criteria fall under four basic categories — impaired control, physical dependence, social problems and risky use:

1. Using more of a substance than intended or using it for longer than you’re meant to.
2. Trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to.
3. Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance.
4. Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect — also called tolerance.
5. Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.
6. Spending more time getting and using drugs and recovering from substance use.
7. Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school because of substance use.
8. Continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems.
9. Giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use.
10. Using substances in risky settings that put you in danger.
11. Continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to your physical and mental health.

Like other illnesses, substance misuse worsens over time. The substance use disorder criteria explained in the DSM-5 allow clinicians to determine how severe a substance use disorder has become depending on how many symptoms are present. For example:

• One symptom could indicate an individual is at risk.
• Two or three criteria point to a mild substance use disorder.
• Four or five symptoms show someone has a moderate substance use disorder.
• Six or more criteria indicate a severe substance use disorder, which signals an addiction to that substance.

Knowing how severe a substance use disorder is can help physicians and addiction specialists determine the best course of treatment for the individual struggling with substance misuse.

Trauma-informed care in Canada - Trauma and violence-informed approaches are not about 'treating' trauma, for example, through counselling or chronic pain interventions. Instead, the focus is to minimize the potential for harm and re-traumatization and to enhance safety, control and resilience for all clients involved with systems or programs.

Opinion: Trauma-informed care should be the gold standard that provides a Wholeistic approach, considering a person's mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Withdrawal Management Services
• Counselling Services
• Child, Youth and Family Services
• Intensive Treatment Programs
• Psychiatric Outreach Program

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, including overdose prevention, these services are available to anyone, anywhere at any time.