Master Addiction Counselor Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Preparation Guide

The term that best describes an obsessive preoccupation with drugs or behaviors is addiction. Addiction goes beyond simply using a substance or engaging in a behavior; it involves a complex interplay of psychological and physiological dependence. Individuals dealing with addiction often find themselves unable to control their urge to engage in the drug use or behavior despite the negative consequences that may arise. This preoccupation can dominate their thoughts, feelings, and routine, impacting various aspects of their lives.

Other choices, while related, do not fully capture the essence of obsessive preoccupation. Dependence typically refers to the physical adaptation of the body to a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using it, rather than the mental preoccupation. Abuse describes a pattern of harmful use of substances but does not necessarily imply the compulsive aspect critical to addiction. Obsessive behavior, while connected, is a broader term that could apply to various contexts outside of substance use. Therefore, addiction is the most accurate term for obsessive preoccupation with drugs or behaviors.