APA is an organization of psychiatrists working together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental illness, including substance use disorders.
This version, like ALL the versions is subject to interpretation, and as my college professor beat into us mercilessly, very subjective. On the other hand my most recent diagnosis, though it came from a newer newer version, is the same diagnosis I had from earlier versions of this book. I guess maybe it might be somewhat correct... anyway, it's the best modern psychology can do.. which isn't saying much.
I know all versions of the DSM prior to IV probably seem somewhat antiquated now...but damnit, I've always liked this one. I think it's description of Borderline Personality Disorder is better than those in the more recent editions.