Which of the following is considered the most abused mood-altering substance?

Alcohol is considered the most abused mood-altering substance because it is widely accessible, culturally accepted in many societies, and commonly consumed in social settings. This accessibility increases the likelihood of abuse and dependence. Moreover, the effects of alcohol can alter mood and behavior significantly, leading to potential misuse.

In many addiction studies and surveys, alcohol consistently ranks high in terms of prevalence of abuse compared to other substances. The impact of alcohol abuse can also be profound, contributing to health issues, accidents, and a range of social problems. Its legal status, combined with social norms that often encourage drinking, contributes to its high rates of use and abuse.

While substances like cocaine and heroin have serious risks associated with their use and can lead to intense addiction, their occurrence of use is comparatively lower among the general population than that of alcohol. Caffeine, despite being widely consumed, typically does not achieve the same level of abuse or lead to significant negative societal impacts. This context highlights why alcohol holds the title as the most abused mood-altering substance.