Substance Abuse Diagnosis Flashcards
7 cards from real SAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Substance Abuse Diagnosis flashcards as text
According to DSM-5, how many criteria must be met within a 12-month period to diagnose a moderate Alcohol Use Disorder?
Answer: 4-5 criteria
DSM-5 defines moderate AUD as meeting 4-5 of the 11 diagnostic criteria within a 12-month period.
Which of the following is NOT one of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a Substance Use Disorder?
Answer: Experiencing a single episode of intoxication
A single episode of intoxication alone does not meet any DSM-5 criterion for a Substance Use Disorder.
A DOT-regulated employee tests positive for marijuana metabolites. The SAP's role in diagnosis includes:
Answer: Determining if the employee has a diagnosable Cannabis Use Disorder
The SAP must conduct a face-to-face clinical evaluation to determine if a diagnosable SUD or alcohol problem exists.
When differentiating between substance dependence and substance abuse under older DSM-IV criteria (still referenced in some training), the hallmark feature of dependence was:
Answer: Tolerance and/or withdrawal
Under DSM-IV, physiological dependence marked by tolerance and/or withdrawal was the distinguishing feature of a dependence diagnosis.
An employee presents with blackouts, morning drinking to steady nerves, and repeated failed attempts to cut down. Which DSM-5 severity level is MOST consistent with this presentation?
Answer: Severe AUD (6+ criteria)
Multiple impaired-control, risky-use, and pharmacological criteria being met together points to severe Alcohol Use Disorder.
Craving, as a symptom in DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder diagnosis, refers to:
Answer: A strong desire or urge to use the substance
DSM-5 added craving—a strong desire or urge to use the substance—as one of the 11 diagnostic criteria for SUD.
A SAP conducting a diagnosis should consider co-occurring mental health disorders because:
Answer: Untreated mental health conditions can directly affect substance use relapse risk
Identifying co-occurring disorders is clinically important because untreated mental health conditions significantly increase relapse risk and affect treatment planning.