For a mild substance use disorder, how many diagnostic criteria must be met according to the DSM-5?

For a mild substance use disorder, according to the DSM-5, the correct criterion is that 2-3 diagnostic criteria must be met. This classification reflects a nuanced understanding of substance use issues where symptoms are fewer in number but can still significantly impact a person's life.

The DSM-5 provides a spectrum of substance use disorders, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of criteria met. In the case of mild disorders, having 2 to 3 criteria indicates a significant enough challenge to warrant attention and potential intervention, yet not so severe as to classify the disorder as moderate or severe, which would require the meeting of more criteria. This framework ensures that treatment approaches can be tailored to the individual’s level of need.