What symptom severity indicates a Mild Substance Use Disorder according to DSM V?

The correct indication for a Mild Substance Use Disorder according to the DSM-5 is the presence of two or three symptoms. The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for substance use disorders, which are categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms that a person exhibits.

When only two or three of the criteria for substance use disorder are met, this qualifies as a Mild Substances Use Disorder. Some of the criteria include taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended, wanting to cut down or stop but not managing to do so, spending a lot of time obtaining or using the substance, having cravings, and continuing to use the substance despite it causing problems.

Understanding the thresholds is important as it helps practitioners in identifying the severity of the disorder and determining the appropriate level of care or intervention required. The higher symptom counts, corresponding to Moderate or Severe Substance Use Disorders, reflect more significant impairment and a greater number of associated risks.