According to DSM-5-TR, Substance Use Disorder is diagnosed when there is a problematic pattern of use with at least how many criteria within a 12-month period?

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Two or more of the diagnostic criteria must be met within a 12-month period to diagnose Substance Use Disorder in DSM-5-TR. This threshold ensures that the pattern of use reflects clinically significant distress or impairment, not just isolated or casual use. The 11 criteria span areas like loss of control (using more or longer than intended), unsuccessful attempts to cut down, a lot of time spent obtaining/using/recovering, cravings, neglecting major roles or activities, social or interpersonal problems, exposure to risky situations, and physiological signs (tolerance and withdrawal). How many criteria are present within a year determines severity: 2–3 is mild, 4–5 moderate, and 6 or more severe. The timeframe and the minimum criteria together reflect when a pattern of use becomes clinically meaningful, which is why the standard is two criteria within 12 months.