In DSM-5-TR, how many criteria define a moderate Substance Use Disorder?

• A. 3-4 criteria
• B. 4-5 criteria
• C. 5-6 criteria
• D. 6-7 criteria

Answer: (B)

Understanding how DSM-5-TR rates Substance Use Disorder helps explain why four to five criteria define a moderate level. There are 11 criteria in total, and a diagnosis is made when two or more criteria are met within a year. The severity is then set by how many criteria are present: two to three means mild, four to five means moderate, and six or more means severe. So, moderate is defined by meeting four or five criteria.

In practice, this means a person with four or five signs of problematic use—such as using larger amounts or over a longer period than intended, craving, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from use, and continuing to use despite social, occupational, or health problems—still has substantial impairment but isn’t at the highest level of risk indicated by six or more criteria. This tiered approach helps clinicians tailor treatment intensity and supports.