Elrod knows that his drinking is destroying his family and threatening his job, but he continues to drink heavily. In fact, his drinking is increasing and he is spending more and more time obtaining and drinking alcohol. The few times he has tried to quit he has suffered severe anxiety, tremors, and rapid pulse. Elrod's symptoms are characteristic of ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elrod's symptoms suggest that he is exhibiting substance dependence, which is a chronic and compulsive pattern of drug use characterized by physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal when drug use is stopped or decreased. The symptoms he experiences when he tries to quit drinking are consistent with withdrawal symptoms common in alcohol dependence. This is different from substance abuse (B), which refers to the use of a substance despite negative consequences, and substance intoxication (D), which refers to the acute effects of a substance on behavior, cognition, and physiological functioning. Casual drug usage (A) does not apply to Elrod's situation, as he appears to have a problematic and compulsive pattern of drinking.

Elrod Knows That His Drinking Is Destroying His Family and Threatening