The severity of the substance use disorder is determined by the number of symptoms: Mild: 2 to 3 criteria Moderate: 4 to 5 criteria Severe: ≥ 6 criteria Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Varies depending on substance and circumstances Treating substance use disorder is challenging and includes one or more of the following: Acute detoxification Prevention and management of withdrawal Cessation (or rarely, reduction) of use Maintenance of abstinence Different treatment phases may be managed with drugs and / or counseling and support.