Which criterion reflects continued use despite negative consequences?

• A. Craving
• B. Continued use despite consequences
• C. Time spent obtaining
• D. Tolerance

Answer: (B)

Continued use despite negative consequences shows impaired control over substance use: the person keeps using even when it causes health, social, or legal problems. That persistence despite harm is what signals a substance use disorder, illustrating how behavior is driven past the point where most people would stop.

Craving describes a strong urge to use, which drives behavior but doesn’t by itself demonstrate persistence in harm. Time spent obtaining reflects preoccupation with getting the substance, indicating prioritization, but it’s about preparation rather than the continuation of use in the face of consequences. Tolerance refers to needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect, a physiological change, not about continuing use despite harm.