Which of the following best defines "substance use disorder"?

The definition of "substance use disorder" as a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop using a substance despite harmful consequences captures the essence of this complex issue. This definition reflects the diagnostic criteria established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which outlines how substance use disorder encompasses a range of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological symptoms resulting from problematic use of a substance.

Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder often find that their use of substances leads to significant impairment or distress, which can manifest in various ways, such as disruptions in social, occupational, or recreational activities. The emphasis on the inability to quit despite facing negative outcomes highlights the compulsive nature of the disorder, where individuals continue to engage in substance use despite understanding its detrimental effects on their health, relationships, and overall functioning.

The other choices do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of substance use disorder. A temporary reaction to drug withdrawal is just one aspect of substance use issues and does not encompass the broader implications and chronic nature of the disorder. A preference for certain substances over others might indicate a tendency but lacks the critical element of harmful consequences and inability to stop. Lastly, framing it as a social disorder linked to environmental factors oversimplifies the multifaceted medical and psychological dimensions