Addiction to substance that results in the failure to fulfill major obligations (e.g. work, family).

Common features include:

• Prioritisation of substance use over obligations
• Substance use in situations that may be physically dangerous
• Legal issues related to substance abuse

Tips for management:

• Ensure you treat the patient with respect
• Respond to the person not the person’s diagnosis or label
• Be patient, but set clear boundaries about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour if required