In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted as a single word for the description: "Irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Dipsomania

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This one-word substitute question focuses on medical and psychological terminology ending in the suffix "-mania", which denotes a kind of madness or uncontrollable desire. The description is "Irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks". Knowing these specific terms helps you decode many exam questions about mental health and compulsive behaviours.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Description: irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks.
  • This refers to an abnormal and strong desire, not just casual liking.
  • Options: Pyromania, Dipsomania, Megalomania, Kleptomania, Nymphomania.
  • We assume standard psychological vocabulary used in English exams.


Concept / Approach:
"Dipsomania" is the term for a pathological, uncontrollable craving for alcohol. The root "dipso" is linked to thirst. Other manias listed in the options refer to different compulsions: pyromania is an obsession with setting fires, kleptomania is a compulsion to steal, megalomania is obsession with power and grandeur, and nymphomania is excessive sexual desire. Only dipsomania connects specifically with alcoholic drinks.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the central idea in the description: irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks.Step 2: Recognise that the suffix "-mania" points to some obsessive desire.Step 3: Recall that "dipso" relates to thirst and drinking, hence dipsomania refers to craving for alcohol.Step 4: Check each option and remember its specific compulsive behaviour.Step 5: Choose "Dipsomania" as the exact match for the craving described.



Verification / Alternative check:
Use the word in a sentence: "In older medical texts, some chronic alcoholics were described as suffering from dipsomania." This clearly indicates a condition related to uncontrollable drinking. If we replace it with pyromania, kleptomania, or megalomania, the sentence would become meaningless or wrong in the context of alcohol. Thus, dipsomania is the only option that aligns with the description.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Pyromania: An obsessive desire to set things on fire, not related to drinking.
  • Megalomania: A delusion about power, importance, or greatness, often seen in dictators and extreme narcissists.
  • Kleptomania: A compulsive urge to steal items, even if they are not needed.
  • Nymphomania: Excessive or uncontrollable sexual desire, usually used for females in older terminology.


Common Pitfalls:
Because all options end in "-mania", some candidates try to guess based on familiarity alone. It is very important to know at least the major forms of mania tested in exams. A simple memory key is to connect "dipso" with "sip" or "drink". With this link, you can quickly recall that dipsomania is the mania for drinking, specifically alcoholic beverages.



Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute for an irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks is Dipsomania.


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