This review defines “remission” from drug dependence as no longer
meeting criteria for drug dependence as defined in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International
Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).
Prospective studies reporting follow-up periods of at least three years
were investigated. All studies that reported remission in the following
wayswere included: dependence criteria were no longermet; or abstinent
from using the drug of dependence