Problem drinking often goes unnoticed in early stages due to which of the following factors?

The correct answer highlights that problem drinking often goes unnoticed in its early stages primarily because of the subtlety of the early symptoms associated with it. Many individuals may not recognize or acknowledge the initial signs, which can be quite mild and easily overlooked in daily life. These unnoticed early symptoms might include slight changes in drinking patterns that do not yet result in significant negative consequences, making it difficult for both the individual and others to identify the behavior as problematic.

Conversely, behavioral changes, physical symptoms, and social withdrawal tend to manifest at later stages of problem drinking when the issue has become more severe. At that point, these signs are often more apparent and can trigger concern or intervention from peers or family. Therefore, it’s the early warning signs, which are less obvious and frequently ignored, that allow problem drinking to develop without detection initially.