I really hope part 1 of this blog made your understanding of addiction clearer. In the second part of this blog I will briefly discuss what criteria needs to be present to diagnose an addiction and what steps you can take if you think you have developed one. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 is used by most clinicians and lists 11 criteria that need to be present for a substance abuse disorder/ addiction to be diagnosed: Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer periods of time. Spending a lot of time getting, consuming, or recovering from use of the substance. Being unable to reduce or stop using the substance. Cravings, compulsions and urges to use the substance. Unable to do what you should at home, work, or school, because of substance use. Ongoing use, even though it is causing problems in relationships. Giving up recreational, social [...]