What is a key indicator of alcohol dependency?

Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when abstinence is attempted are indeed key indicators of alcohol dependency. Tolerance refers to the body’s adaptation to alcohol, requiring individuals to consume larger amounts to achieve the same effects they once experienced with smaller quantities. This escalation in consumption is a sign that the body has become accustomed to the presence of alcohol.

Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who is dependent on alcohol reduces or stops their intake. These symptoms can include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures. The presence of both increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms indicates that the body has developed a physical dependence on the substance, which is a primary characteristic of alcohol use disorder.

While continued use despite problems caused by drinking is also a significant indicator of dependency, the physiological aspects of tolerance and withdrawal provide a clearer understanding of the body's reliance on alcohol, which is critical in diagnosing alcohol dependency. This physiological dependence underlines the compulsive nature of the disorder, making option A a fundamental aspect of recognizing alcohol dependency.