Substance Use Disorder E026
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14
Rulebase for drug dependence and drug abuse
<div><h5><strong>Current RMA Instruments</strong></h5><table class="table" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tbody><tr><td><address><p><a href="https://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2026/050.pdf" target="_blank">Reasonable Hypothesis SOP</a></p></address></td><td>50 of 2026</td></tr><tr><td><address><p><a href="https://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2026/051.pdf" target="_blank">Balance of Probabilities SOP</a></p></address></td><td>51 of 2026</td></tr></tbody></table><h5><strong>Changes from previous Instruments</strong></h5><drupal-media data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="466325e2-177a-445a-bd96-e63c3f802f68"> </drupal-media><p> </p><h5><strong>ICD Coding</strong></h5><ul><li data-list-item-id="e7e21d87fb278bb280b8ae7e93df09625">ICD-10-AM Codes: <span>F11.1, F11.2, </span> <span>F11.1, F12.2, </span> <span>F13.1, F13.2, </span> <span>F14.1, F14.2, </span> <span>F15.1, F15.2, </span> <span>F16.1, F16.2, </span> <span>F17.1, F17.2, F18.1,</span> <span>F18.2, </span> <span>F19.1, F19.2</span></li></ul><h5><strong>Brief description</strong></h5><p>Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence. </p><h5><strong>Confirming the diagnosis</strong></h5><p>This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met. </p><h5><strong>Additional diagnoses covered by SOP</strong></h5><p>Substance use disorder involving:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="eac17effad14fbe87a4e7b858946eca95">Cannabis</li><li data-list-item-id="eabd9096451d0adde0750bf8a5b90083d">Cocaine</li><li data-list-item-id="e2076928d8a7189c469a2743455a932ce">Hallucinogens</li><li data-list-item-id="e11082014a7d616938394cfd684927d42">Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)</li><li data-list-item-id="e96beffa251bfe99d8c7fa0d7f18b0cec">Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances </li><li data-list-item-id="e040c69cfde159ef5c14d457e3c3298df">Opioids</li><li data-list-item-id="ed8b63e9c80e90384c5a5ff1e8ff0a4fa">Other stimulants (including amphetamines)</li><li data-list-item-id="e2c005c77c939cc942f6a90ab11b124db">Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)</li><li data-list-item-id="e7f75cbf655881b27f3fd700a5230b0ae">Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics</li><li data-list-item-id="e0fce8f6d2b7465a507315ec6af8dfbb8">Tobacco</li></ul><h5><strong>Conditions not covered by SOP</strong></h5><ul><li data-list-item-id="e8e144559c92adce907a66139f81f1536">Alcohol use disorder *</li><li data-list-item-id="e970a801cff84e5c4fc9e3af5a7cda487">Caffeine- related disorders #</li><li data-list-item-id="ebd694e22ab13096c89d6df69391777d8">Chronic solvent encephalopathy *</li><li data-list-item-id="e6d77afc64e0f84b51cecd8b2bf2214be">Substance intoxication #</li><li data-list-item-id="ef799fe7ce45546694030321ee70d17ec">Substance withdrawal #</li><li data-list-item-id="eb37c9786dbde2cbacb01260cd29c4c46">Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #</li></ul><p>* another SOP applies</p><p><span lang="EN"><sup>#</sup></span><span> Non-SOP condition</span></p><h5><strong>Clinical onset</strong></h5><p>Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.</p><h5><strong>Clinical worsening</strong></h5><p>Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br> </p><p> </p></div>
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse
A category 1A stressor
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/category-1a-stressor
A category 1B stressor
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/category-1b-stressor
A clinically significant psychiatric condition
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/clinically-significant-psychiatric-condition
A serious medical illness or injury
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/serious-medical-illness-or-injury
No appropriate clinical management for drug dependence or drug abuse
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/no-appropriate-clinical-management-drug-dependence-or-drug-abuse
Prescribed medication
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/prescribed-medication
Severe childhood abuse
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/severe-childhood-abuse
The death of a significant other
Current RMA Instruments
| 50 of 2026 | |
| 51 of 2026 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.1, F11.2, F11.1, F12.2, F13.1, F13.2, F14.1, F14.2, F15.1, F15.2, F16.1, F16.2, F17.1, F17.2, F18.1, F18.2, F19.1, F19.2
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by a problematic pattern of substance use resulting in clinically significant impairment or distress. Under DSM-5-TR, the diagnosis requires at least two diagnostic criteria to be present within a 12-month period. The disorder encompasses a spectrum of severity, replacing the previous DSM-IV categories of substance abuse and substance dependence.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist who needs to assess whether the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder have been met.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Multiple substances or other psychoactive substances
- Opioids
- Other stimulants (including amphetamines)
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder *
- Caffeine- related disorders #
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy *
- Substance intoxication #
- Substance withdrawal #
- Substance- induced mental disorders (unless occurring in the presence of substance use disorder) #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is the earliest point at which the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder are first met. This requires at least two diagnostic criteria to have occurred within a 12- month period. Clinical onset is not the date the substance was first used or when occasional or recreational use commenced.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be demonstrated by progression in the severity of substance use disorder, including the development of additional DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, increasing functional impairment or distress, or escalation in the frequency or severity of problematic substance use. As substance use disorders often fluctuate over time, establishing permanent clinical worsening requires consideration of the overall clinical course rather than temporary exacerbations.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/q-z/substance-use-disorder-e026-f112f122f132f14/rulebase-drug-dependence-and-drug-abuse/death-significant-other