What does "substance use disorder" refer to?

Substance use disorder refers to a clinical diagnosis that encompasses a range of problematic behaviors and patterns related to the use of substances, which can include legal and illegal drugs, alcohol, and certain prescription medications. This disorder is identified by specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which assess aspects such as the inability to control use, continued use despite negative consequences, and the presence of withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding substance use disorder within a clinical framework highlights the importance of patterns that significantly impair individuals' functioning in various areas of their lives. This definition emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation and indicates that treatment may be necessary to address these complex issues.

The other options do not convey the full clinical significance or the specific diagnostic criteria associated with substance use disorder. For example, dependence on any substance is related but not limited to the clinical intricacies of a diagnosed disorder. Common use of prescription medication can occur without leading to a disorder, and occasional use of recreational drugs does not inherently indicate problematic behavior or qualify as a disorder. Hence, the focus on patterns of problematic use is what precisely defines substance use disorder.