ADAPT Risk Factors and Warning Signs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following behaviors is a behavioral warning sign of a developing substance use problem?
- Increased interest in hobbies
- Sudden change in friend groups and withdrawal from family (Correct answer)
- Consistently meeting work or school obligations
- Regular sleep schedule
Correct answer: Sudden change in friend groups and withdrawal from family
Abandoning established relationships and replacing them with new peers who use substances is a classic early warning sign of developing dependency.
Question 2: Which physical warning sign may indicate someone is misusing opioids?
- Enlarged pupils
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils (Correct answer)
- Red and irritated eyes
- Yellow skin
Correct answer: Pinpoint (very small) pupils
Opioids cause pupil constriction (miosis), resulting in very small, pinpoint pupils — a telltale physical sign of opioid use.
Question 3: Neglecting previously important responsibilities at work, school, or home is considered which type of warning sign?
- Physical warning sign
- Behavioral warning sign (Correct answer)
- Social warning sign
- Cognitive warning sign
Correct answer: Behavioral warning sign
Neglecting responsibilities is a behavioral warning sign that substance use is interfering with daily functioning and priorities.
Question 4: What is 'enabling' in the context of substance use disorder?
- Encouraging a loved one to seek treatment
- Behavior that shields a person from consequences of their substance use, allowing it to continue (Correct answer)
- Reporting substance use to authorities
- Offering emotional support during recovery
Correct answer: Behavior that shields a person from consequences of their substance use, allowing it to continue
Enabling protects the person from natural consequences of their use — such as making excuses or covering up — allowing the problem to persist.
Question 5: Experiencing strong cravings or urges to use a substance is considered a diagnostic criterion for:
- Normal recreational use
- Substance use disorder (Correct answer)
- Experimental use only
- Social drinking
Correct answer: Substance use disorder
Intense cravings are listed as one of the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder in the DSM-5.
Question 6: Which of the following is a protective factor that REDUCES the risk of substance use?
- Low parental supervision
- Access to substances
- Strong connection to school and positive adult mentors (Correct answer)
- Social isolation
Correct answer: Strong connection to school and positive adult mentors
Connectedness to school, positive mentors, and community involvement are research-backed protective factors that buffer against substance use.
ADAPT Risk Factors and Warning Signs 2
Which of the following behaviors is a behavioral warning sign of a developing substance use problem?