Chemical Dependency Counselor Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term that describes consuming alcohol or drugs regularly despite resulting in negative consequences in life is "abuse." This concept is central to understanding substance use issues, as it highlights a pattern of problematic behavior associated with the use of substances.

When someone engages in abuse, they may continue to use substances even though it leads to problems such as interpersonal conflicts, legal issues, health-related concerns, or the inability to fulfill responsibilities. This pattern of behavior indicates that the individual is aware of the adverse effects yet persists in their use, often leading to escalating consequences.

Other terms like "use," "tolerance," and "dependency" have different implications. "Use" generally refers to the act of consuming substances without indicating the presence of negative consequences. "Tolerance" refers to the diminishing effect of a substance after repeated use, often leading individuals to consume more to achieve the desired effects, but does not on its own imply problematic use. "Dependency" typically refers to a physical or psychological reliance on a substance, where individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when not using, but it isn't specifically tied to the ongoing choice to use despite problems.

Thus, "abuse" accurately captures the situation of regular substance use in the face of arising issues, making it the correct choice in