Which of the following is a criterion used to diagnose alcohol use disorders?

• A. Preferring alcoholic beverages over non-alcoholic drinks
• B. Experiencing cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol
• C. Being able to drink large amounts without feeling intoxicated
• D. Having a history of allergies to alcohol

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that diagnosing alcohol use disorders involves specific clinical criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition).
2. Review the key criteria for alcohol use disorder, which include patterns of problematic alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress.
3. Identify that one important criterion is experiencing cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol, which reflects the compulsive aspect of the disorder.
4. Recognize that preferences for alcoholic beverages, tolerance (drinking large amounts without intoxication), or allergies are not diagnostic criteria by themselves, although tolerance is a related concept but not the same as 'being able to drink large amounts without feeling intoxicated' in a non-clinical sense.
5. Conclude that the presence of cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol is a valid diagnostic criterion for alcohol use disorder.