What term describes the compulsive need to consume a substance despite its negative effects?

What term describes the compulsive need to consume a substance despite its negative effects?

• A. Dependence
• B. Addiction
• C. Tolerance
• D. Withdrawal

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the compulsive need to consume a substance despite its negative effects is addiction. Addiction is characterized by the inability to stop using a substance, despite experiencing adverse consequences, such as health issues, relationship problems, or legal troubles. It often involves a psychological and physical dependence on the substance, which can lead to cravings and a loss of control over usage. In contrast to addiction, dependence refers more specifically to the physical reliance on a substance, where the body adapts to its presence. Tolerance involves needing increasingly larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect, while withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when the substance is reduced or eliminated after prolonged use. These related concepts are important in understanding the broader spectrum of substance use disorders, but addiction specifically highlights the compulsive behavior associated with continued use despite known harm.

The term that describes the compulsive need to consume a substance despite its negative effects is addiction. Addiction is characterized by the inability to stop using a substance, despite experiencing adverse consequences, such as health issues, relationship problems, or legal troubles. It often involves a psychological and physical dependence on the substance, which can lead to cravings and a loss of control over usage.

In contrast to addiction, dependence refers more specifically to the physical reliance on a substance, where the body adapts to its presence. Tolerance involves needing increasingly larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect, while withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when the substance is reduced or eliminated after prolonged use. These related concepts are important in understanding the broader spectrum of substance use disorders, but addiction specifically highlights the compulsive behavior associated with continued use despite known harm.