[Problems of diagnosis and classification related to the improper use of substances in the DSM-III and DSM-III-R]

This paper attempts at reviewing the changes DSM-III-R introduced in the chapter DSM-III devoted to substance-induced disorders. The respective advantages, and disadvantages of the new concepts are studied. Among the new concepts, the author ponders on the discrimination between Abuse, and Dependence--in DSM-III--being deleted while Dependence alone is now enlarged so that such a modification brings us back to the idea of "dependency" through a listing of addictive behaviors--valid for any type of substance--whose intensity is evaluated by means of the number, and severity of behaviors involved. It is the author's opinion that such an analysis may prove to be a necessary starting point for future in-depth studies on the difficult topic of addictive subtypology.