Schlomo occasionally drinks beer with friends. His drinking doesn’t interfere with his job or personal obligations. He gets a pleasant “buzzed” feeling from two beers and doesn’t feel a need to drink more. Alcohol has not caused him any physical or psychological problems. Izzy Sue told Becky Mae that according to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV-TR, Schlomo could be diagnosed as a substance user;(are you asking if izzy thinks he is an “abuser” or just “user”) however, Becky Mae said the criteria indicated Schlomo would be diagnosed as a person who may be dependent on a substance, like alcohol.
What is your question?
Based on the information provided, it seems that Izzy Sue believes Schlomo could be diagnosed as a substance user, while Becky Mae believes he would be diagnosed as a person who may be dependent on a substance, such as alcohol.
It is important to note that this assessment is based on the criteria in the DSM-IV-TR, which is an older version of the diagnostic manual. The latest version, DSM-5, may have different criteria and classifications for substance use disorders.
In order to give a definitive diagnosis, a mental health professional would need to conduct a thorough evaluation and assessment of Schlomo's drinking patterns, behaviors, and any potential negative consequences. Substance use disorders are complex and can vary from person to person, so it is always best to consult with a trained professional for an accurate diagnosis.
In this scenario, Izzy Sue and Becky Mae are discussing whether Schlomo could be diagnosed as a substance user or a person who may be dependent on alcohol based on the criteria in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision).
To understand their perspectives, let's look at the criteria for substance use and substance dependence according to the DSM-IV-TR:
1. Substance Use: According to the DSM-IV-TR, substance use is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress within a 12-month period. It is characterized by symptoms such as failure to fulfill major role obligations, recurrent use in physically hazardous situations, legal problems, social or interpersonal problems, and continued use despite negative consequences.
2. Substance Dependence: Substance dependence, on the other hand, is characterized by a more severe physiological and psychological reliance on the substance. According to the DSM-IV-TR, substance dependence is diagnosed if three or more of the following conditions are met in a 12-month period: tolerance, withdrawal, using more than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, a great deal of time spent obtaining or recovering from the substance, giving up important activities due to substance use, and continued use despite recognition of problems caused by the substance.
Based on the description provided, Schlomo's occasional drinking of beer does not appear to meet the criteria for substance use or dependence as defined in the DSM-IV-TR. His drinking does not interfere with his job or personal obligations, he does not feel the need to drink more than two beers, and alcohol has not caused him any physical or psychological problems.
Izzy Sue's statement that Schlomo could be diagnosed as a substance user might be based on her interpretation of the criteria in the DSM-IV-TR. However, Becky Mae's suggestion that Schlomo could be diagnosed as a person who may be dependent on a substance, like alcohol, suggests that she sees Schlomo's drinking as potentially crossing into the realm of substance dependence, even though the provided information does not strongly support this conclusion.
It's important to note that the DSM-IV-TR has been replaced by the DSM-5 (fifth edition), which provides updated criteria for substance use disorders. The DSM-5 introduced a single diagnosis of "substance use disorder" that ranges from mild to severe based on the number of symptoms present. It is always best to consult a qualified mental health professional or addiction specialist for a proper assessment and diagnosis.