Which statement best describes Substance Dependence criteria?

Which statement best describes Substance Dependence criteria?

• A. It includes tolerance increase and withdrawal symptoms
• B. It does not include withdrawal symptoms
• C. It is identical to Substance Abuse criteria
• D. It is solely based on legal problems

Answer: (A)

Substance dependence is characterized by physiological adaptation to a drug, which shows up as tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance means you need larger amounts to achieve the same effect, reflecting the body’s adjustment to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms appear when you stop or reduce use, signaling dependence has taken hold. Because these two features—tolerance and withdrawal—are central indicators of dependence, the statement that it includes tolerance and withdrawal best captures what dependence criteria describe. The idea that withdrawal isn’t involved is incorrect, since withdrawal is a key sign. Also, dependence is not identical to substance abuse, and legal problems were historically tied to abuse criteria, not dependence.

Substance dependence is characterized by physiological adaptation to a drug, which shows up as tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance means you need larger amounts to achieve the same effect, reflecting the body’s adjustment to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms appear when you stop or reduce use, signaling dependence has taken hold. Because these two features—tolerance and withdrawal—are central indicators of dependence, the statement that it includes tolerance and withdrawal best captures what dependence criteria describe. The idea that withdrawal isn’t involved is incorrect, since withdrawal is a key sign. Also, dependence is not identical to substance abuse, and legal problems were historically tied to abuse criteria, not dependence.