What is the difference between "substance abuse" and "substance dependence"?

The distinction between "substance abuse" and "substance dependence" is indeed captured well by the choice that highlights harmful use versus reliance. Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, which can result in negative consequences for the individual and those around them, such as health issues, legal problems, or potential for accidents. This concept emphasizes the detrimental effects of the substance utilization patterns.

On the other hand, substance dependence, often referred to interchangeably with addiction, refers to a state where an individual not only continues to use the substance despite the negative repercussions but also develops a psychological or physical reliance on it. This can manifest in withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not available, indicating an adaptation of the body to the substance.

The other options do not accurately capture the nuances of these terms. The option regarding legal issues does not correctly reflect that dependence can also lead to significant social and legal problems; both conditions can have consequences. The third option mistakenly equates the two concepts, whereas they represent different phenomena in the realm of substance use. The fourth option misrepresents the primary distinction; frequency of use and amount consumed are variables that can exist within both abuse and dependence but do not define the core differences between the two conditions.