Which term describes a condition where, after using drugs, an individual finds it difficult or impossible to control use, often with tolerance and withdrawal?

Which term describes a condition where, after using drugs, an individual finds it difficult or impossible to control use, often with tolerance and withdrawal?

• A. Tolerance
• B. Dependence
• C. Psychological dependence
• D. Cross-tolerance

Answer: (B)

Dependence describes a state in which continued drug use becomes hard to stop, with the body adapting to the substance so that stopping leads to withdrawal and ongoing use is maintained to avoid discomfort. It also often involves tolerance, where higher amounts are needed to achieve the same effect. While tolerance explains needing more, and psychological dependence centers on cravings, neither alone fully captures the loss of control and withdrawal that define dependence. Cross-tolerance is about tolerance to a different drug after exposure to one substance, not the overall pattern described. So the best fit for the situation is dependence.

Dependence describes a state in which continued drug use becomes hard to stop, with the body adapting to the substance so that stopping leads to withdrawal and ongoing use is maintained to avoid discomfort. It also often involves tolerance, where higher amounts are needed to achieve the same effect. While tolerance explains needing more, and psychological dependence centers on cravings, neither alone fully captures the loss of control and withdrawal that define dependence. Cross-tolerance is about tolerance to a different drug after exposure to one substance, not the overall pattern described. So the best fit for the situation is dependence.