Which of the following best describes alcohol abuse in the context of diagnosing psychological disorders?

• A. Complete abstinence from alcohol due to personal or religious reasons
• B. Physical dependence on alcohol characterized by withdrawal symptoms
• C. A pattern of drinking that leads to significant impairment or distress, such as failure to fulfill major obligations, drinking in hazardous situations, or recurrent legal problems
• D. Occasional social drinking without any negative consequences

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alcohol abuse, in the context of psychological disorders, refers to a pattern of drinking that causes significant problems in a person's life, rather than just the presence or absence of drinking itself.
2. Recognize that complete abstinence from alcohol (due to personal or religious reasons) does not indicate abuse, as it involves no harmful pattern or consequences related to drinking.
3. Identify that physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms is more characteristic of alcohol dependence or alcoholism, which is a different diagnosis from alcohol abuse.
4. Focus on the definition of alcohol abuse as involving behaviors such as failure to meet major obligations, drinking in hazardous situations, or recurrent legal issues due to drinking.
5. Exclude occasional social drinking without negative consequences, as this does not meet the criteria for alcohol abuse since it lacks significant impairment or distress.