Ace the Chemical Dependency Counselor Exam 2025 – Empower Change and Rock Your Career!

The option that involves taking the substance in larger amounts than intended is excessive use. This criterion reflects a common pattern observed in individuals with substance use disorders, where a person may start with a particular goal in mind regarding their consumption but ultimately finds themselves consuming more than they originally planned.

Excessive use can lead to escalating patterns of consumption, contributing to the cycle of addiction. It signifies a loss of control over the quantity and frequency of use, which is a key hallmark of substance use disorders. Recognizing such behavior is crucial for substance dependency treatment, as it addresses the need for intervention and support in helping individuals regain control over their substance use.

The other choices, while relevant to the broader understanding of substance use and its impact, do not specifically capture the essence of taking larger amounts than initially intended. Craving relates to the intense desire to use the substance, withdrawal pertains to physical and emotional symptoms that occur when not using the substance, and hazardous use refers to engaging in behaviors that increase the risk of harm due to substance use.