Which term refers to the continued use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences?

The term that best describes the continued use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences is abuse. Abuse involves engaging in harmful patterns of substance use that lead to significant impairment or distress, including negative impacts on relationships, work, health, or legal status. This behavior highlights a disregard for the adverse effects of substance use, signaling a deeper issue that requires attention and intervention.

Dependence, on the other hand, refers to a physical or psychological reliance on a substance, often characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not consumed. While dependence may lead to continued use, it does not specifically emphasize the acknowledgement and neglect of negative consequences as abuse does.

Withdrawal refers to a range of symptoms that occur when an individual reduces or stops heavy and prolonged use of a substance. Tolerance involves the body's adaptation to a substance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. Both withdrawal and tolerance are related to the physical changes in the body due to substance use but do not directly address the behavioral aspect of ongoing use despite negative outcomes, which is a hallmark of substance abuse.