Which DSM criterion includes craving or a strong desire or urge to use?

Which DSM criterion includes craving or a strong desire or urge to use?

• A. Tolerance
• B. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use
• C. Withdrawal
• D. Recurrent use in hazardous situations

Answer: (B)

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use, is one of the DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorder. It reflects the psychological pull to obtain and consume the substance and can appear even when other symptoms aren’t present. DSM-5 requires at least two criteria within a 12-month period for a diagnosis, and craving is included among those criteria. This is distinct from tolerance, which is needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal, which involves physical symptoms when stopping. Another criterion involves using in hazardous situations, but craving specifically captures the intentional urge to use and is closely linked to relapse risk.

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use, is one of the DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorder. It reflects the psychological pull to obtain and consume the substance and can appear even when other symptoms aren’t present. DSM-5 requires at least two criteria within a 12-month period for a diagnosis, and craving is included among those criteria. This is distinct from tolerance, which is needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal, which involves physical symptoms when stopping. Another criterion involves using in hazardous situations, but craving specifically captures the intentional urge to use and is closely linked to relapse risk.