Taking medications in larger amounts or over longer
periods of time than prescribed
Difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior in
terms of its onset, termination or levels of use
A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the
substance
Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to
obtain medications (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or
driving long distances)
Giving up or greatly reducing important social,
occupational activities because of substance abuse
Continuing substance abuse despite having a persistent
or recurrent psychological or physical problem that is
caused or exacerbated by the use of the substance
Evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of the
psychoactive substance are required in order to achieve
effects originally produced by lower doses
A physiological withdrawal state when substance use has
ceased or been reduced, as evidence by: the characteristic
withdrawal syndrome for the substance, or use of the same
(or a closely related) substance with the intention of
relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms
