In Substance Use Disorder, how is severity classified?

• A. Mild (2-3 criteria), Moderate (4-5), Severe (6 or more)
• B. Severity is based on days of use
• C. Severity is based on withdrawal symptoms only
• D. Severity is determined by cravings alone

Answer: (A)

Severity in Substance Use Disorder is determined by how many diagnostic criteria are met within a 12-month period. Each criterion reflects a different way use can impair functioning or cause harm, so the overall severity rises with more areas affected. Mild corresponds to 2–3 criteria, moderate to 4–5, and severe to 6 or more. This framework shows that the disorder isn’t about days of use or withdrawal alone, and craving is just one of the criteria, not the sole determinant.