the form of recurrent substanc e use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (Cri-
terion 8). The individual may continue substance use despite knowledge of having a per-
sistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or
exacerbated by the substance (Criterion 9). The key issue in evaluating this criterion is not
the existence of the problem, but rather the in dividual’s failure to abstain from using the
substance despite the difficulty it is causing.