APA Dictionary of Psychology

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of repeated or compulsive use of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs despite significant behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems associated with their use and possible tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended (see sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal). The separate diagnoses for dependence on and abuse of these substances were subsumed in DSM–5 and DSM-5-TR under sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder and are no longer considered distinct entities.