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The rationale behind identifying expensive legal fees as not a symptom of substance abuse lies in understanding what constitutes behavioral and psychological symptoms of substance abuse. Recurrent substance use, failure to fulfill major obligations, and continued use despite social problems are all direct manifestations of the individual's struggle with addiction. These behaviors reflect the impact of substance abuse on a person's responsibilities, relationships, and overall functioning.

On the other hand, while expensive legal fees can be a consequence of substance abuse—such as DUI charges or other legal issues related to drug or alcohol offenses—they do not directly indicate the presence of substance use or addiction itself. Legal problems arise as a result of the behaviors associated with substance abuse, making them a secondary effect rather than a core symptom of the disorder. For symptoms of substance abuse, the focus is primarily on the individual's actions and psychological state rather than their legal or financial consequences. Thus, expensive legal fees do not classify as a symptom in the context of substance abuse disorders.