Which sign is a good indicator of alcohol dependence during a history assessment?

Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are significant indicators of alcohol dependence. Tolerance refers to the need for a person to consume larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects that were once experienced with smaller quantities. This can indicate that the body has adapted to the presence of alcohol and requires more of it to function normally.

Withdrawal symptoms, on the other hand, occur when an individual who has been drinking heavily suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol intake. These symptoms can include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and even severe conditions like seizures. The presence of both increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms is a clear sign that the body has become physically dependent on alcohol, making it a key factor in identifying alcohol use disorder.

While change in social relationships, frequent absences from work, and loss of interest in hobbies can all signify problems related to alcohol use, they are more indicative of the consequences or behavioral impacts of alcohol misuse rather than defining biophysical markers of dependence. Hence, understanding the physiological manifestations of alcohol dependence, such as tolerance and withdrawal, is crucial for a proper assessment.