Substance abuse disorders can be classified into several different subtypes. These include alcohol-related disorders, caffeine-related disorders, cannabis-related disorders, hallucinogen-related disorders, inhalant-related disorders, opioid-related disorders, sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-related disorders, stimulant-related disorders, and tobacco-related disorders.
Any of these substance-use disorders may be present with a problematic pattern of use of an intoxicating substance that may lead to clinically significant impairment or distress over a 12-month period. Several of the following criteria will be present:
- The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was initially intended.
- There is a persistent desire for unsuccessful effort to cut down or control the use of the substance.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use of substance, or recover from its effects.
- Craving or strong desire or urge to use the substance.
- Recurrent use of the substance resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued use of the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use of the substance.
- Recurrent use of the substance in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to be caused or exacerbated by the substance.
- Tolerance which is a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued.
Other addictive disorders may include gambling, sexual addiction, or Internet/computer/video game addition.
Psychiatric treatment for the above-mentioned addictive disorders mainly focuses on behavioral interventions, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication management to decrease symptoms of craving, anxiety, or withdrawal.