What term describes the deterioration of relationships due to substance abuse?

The term that best describes the deterioration of relationships due to substance abuse is "interpersonal dysfunction." This phrase encompasses the various ways in which a person’s substance use negatively impacts their interactions and relationships with others. Substance abuse often leads to changes in behavior, communication patterns, and emotional responses, which can strain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.

Interpersonal dysfunction can manifest as a result of increased secrecy or dishonesty, emotional unavailability, or conflict arising from the substance-related behaviors. Hence, the concept captures the overall deterioration of relational dynamics and the social consequences of substance abuse.

The other options address different aspects related to substance use or its effects. Withdrawal refers to physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person reduces or stops using a substance they are dependent on. Isolation pertains to the tendency of individuals to withdraw from social interactions, which can be a consequence of substance abuse but does not directly describe the relational deterioration itself. Synergistic effects involve the interactions between different substances and how they enhance or alter each other's effects, which is unrelated to the social implications of substance abuse.