Which symptom is indicative of substance dependence?

The presence of increased tolerance or withdrawal symptoms is a classic indicator of substance dependence. Tolerance refers to the body's adaptation to a substance, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect, while withdrawal symptoms occur when the substance is reduced or eliminated, leading to physical and psychological symptoms. These phenomena suggest that an individual has developed a physical and psychological reliance on the substance, fulfilling the criteria established in diagnostic manuals for substance use disorders.

In contrast, the other options describe behaviors or social circumstances that are not directly related to the physiological or psychological criteria for dependence. Social interactions with abstainers do not indicate dependence; rather, they could signify an individual's awareness of their substance use patterns. Completion of all work tasks and regular family visits are indicators of general functioning and relationships and do not provide insight into the presence or absence of substance dependence. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the critical signs of tolerance and withdrawal intrinsic to recognizing substance dependence.