Which term describes the final stage of alcohol-related problems?

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

Answer: (C)

Addiction describes the final stage of alcohol-related problems because it captures the shift to a chronic, compulsive pattern of use in which control is lost and drinking continues despite clear harm. In this stage, people often have physical dependence, so stopping can trigger withdrawal, and they typically need increasing amounts (tolerance) to achieve the same effect. Craving may be a strong driver of ongoing use, but it’s the persistent, uncontrollable nature of the behavior and the continued drinking despite consequences that define this final stage. Withdrawal indicates dependence that can appear along the process, and tolerance shows the body adapting to alcohol, but neither alone describes the full, enduring pattern that addiction embodies.