Addiction is the final stage in the development of alcoholism.

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

Answer: (A)

Understanding how alcoholism progresses helps explain why addiction is described as the final stage. Tolerance is when a person needs larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol isn’t used, producing physical discomfort. Craving is the strong, ongoing urge to drink. The final stage, addiction, is characterized by a compulsive pattern of drinking and a loss of control, with the person continuing to drink despite negative consequences. This stage reflects deeper biological and psychological changes that make stopping difficult, marking the end point of the progression. The other terms describe important parts of dependence, but they don’t on their own denote the chronic, uncontrollable behavior that addiction represents.