Which term is commonly used to describe continued drug use despite negative consequences?

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

Answer: (A)

Continued drug use despite negative consequences is best described as addiction, which captures the pattern of compulsive drug seeking and use with a sense of loss of control, persisting even when it causes harm to health, work, or relationships. Tolerance describes needing larger amounts over time to achieve the same effect, but it doesn’t by itself define ongoing use despite harm. Withdrawal refers to the unpleasant symptoms that arise when stopping or reducing use, not the continued use itself. Craving is a strong desire or urge to use, a common feature of addiction, but it doesn’t alone explain why use keeps happening despite negative outcomes. So the term that best fits the described behavior is addiction.