The ________ theories of alcohol abuse have focused on people's expectations of alcohol's effects and their beliefs about the appropriateness of using it to cope with stress.

A) sociocultural
B) genetic
C) cognitive
D) social learning

Cognitive theories of alcohol abuse focus on how people's thoughts, beliefs, and expectations about alcohol influence their drinking behavior. These theories suggest that people drink alcohol to cope with stress or negative emotions, and that their beliefs about the effects of alcohol can influence how much they drink and how they behave while under the influence. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to address problematic drinking by helping individuals identify and challenge their beliefs and thought patterns related to alcohol.