If person suffers from 3 or more of the below in 12 months

1.       Tolerance – diminished effect with repeated use

2.       Withdrawal – physical/psychological

3.       Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over longer period than intended

4.       Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down use

5.       Great deal of time spent in activities necessary for obtaining substance

6.       Social, occupational, recreational sacrifices due to substance use

7.       Substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem