Which of the following is a pharmacological criterion for substance use disorders?

• A. Craving
• B. Social impairment
• C. Tolerance
• D. Continued use despite problems

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is distinguishing physiological changes from behavioral and social features in substance use disorders. Tolerance shows the body’s pharmacological adaptation to a substance—the need for larger amounts to achieve the same effect or a diminished effect from the same dose. That physiological change is what makes tolerance a pharmacological criterion. In contrast, craving reflects a psychological urge, while social impairment and continued use despite problems describe behavioral and social consequences of use. So tolerance is the best fit because it directly signals a bodily, pharmacological adaptation to the substance.