How is dependence on alcohol characterized?

Dependence on alcohol is characterized primarily by impaired control over drinking and the presence of tolerance, despite experiencing harm related to alcohol use. This means that a person struggling with alcohol dependence often finds themselves unable to effectively manage their drinking behavior, leading to continued use even when it has negative consequences on their health, relationships, or daily activities.

The aspect of tolerance indicates that over time, a person requires increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects or experiences diminished effects with continued use of the same amount. This combination of factors—impaired control and tolerance—aligns with the clinical criteria used to diagnose alcohol use disorder.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept of dependence adequately. Drinking more than a specific number of drinks on occasion doesn’t necessarily indicate dependence as it lacks the context of control or harm. Occasional binge drinking without consequences doesn't imply a pattern of problematic use, while frequent non-drinking days suggest a control of alcohol intake, which contradicts the definition of dependence.