Ace the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam 2026 – Conquer Your Counseling Career with Confidence!

Substance dependence is characterized by a strong compulsion to seek out and use a substance, often leading to significant impairment or distress. One of the hallmark signs of substance dependence includes experiencing withdrawal symptoms or feeling abnormal when the substance is not available. This indicates that the individual has developed a psychological or physical reliance on the substance to function normally.

Feeling abnormal without the substance highlights that the individual’s body and mind have adapted to its presence, and the absence of the substance leads to discomfort. This is a crucial aspect of substance dependence, as it reflects how the individual's functioning can be severely affected when not under the influence of the substance.

In contrast, frequent socialization or increased interest in hobbies may not have a direct relationship to substance dependence. These behaviors could indicate healthy social engagement or personal growth independent of substance use. Difficulty in forming relationships can be a result of various factors, not necessarily indicating dependence, as it may involve other underlying issues such as anxiety, trauma, or social skills deficits. Therefore, feeling abnormal without the substance is the most direct indicator of dependence.