SAC Substance Abuse Education 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which risk factor for adolescent substance abuse is considered a PEER-LEVEL influence?
- Parental history of addiction
- Low socioeconomic status
- Association with drug-using peers (Correct answer)
- Genetic predisposition
Correct answer: Association with drug-using peers
Peer influencesâparticularly association with substance-using friendsâare among the strongest predictors of adolescent substance use initiation.
Question 2: In prevention science, a 'protective factor' that buffers against substance abuse would include:
- Early initiation of alcohol use
- Weak family bonds
- Strong school connectedness (Correct answer)
- Neighborhood drug availability
Correct answer: Strong school connectedness
School connectednessâa student's sense of belonging and positive relationship with schoolâis a well-documented protective factor against substance use and other risky behaviors.
Question 3: The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool primarily designed to identify problems with:
- Opioid misuse
- Alcohol use (Correct answer)
- Stimulant abuse
- Polysubstance use
Correct answer: Alcohol use
CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a four-question alcohol screening tool widely used in clinical and school settings.
Question 4: Anabolic-androgenic steroids are classified as a Schedule III controlled substance primarily because of their:
- High potential for psychological dependence and abuse (Correct answer)
- Strong CNS depressant effects
- Hallucinogenic properties
- Stimulant effects on heart rate
Correct answer: High potential for psychological dependence and abuse
Anabolic steroids are Schedule III due to their moderate-to-low physical dependence potential but significant potential for psychological dependence and nonmedical abuse.
Question 5: A SAC counselor observing a student with pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, and drowsiness should suspect use of:
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Opioids (Correct answer)
- Inhalants
Correct answer: Opioids
Pinpoint (miotic) pupils, respiratory depression, and sedation are the classic triad of opioid intoxication.
Question 6: Which approach to substance abuse education has been shown to be LEAST effective with adolescents?
- Life skills training
- Resistance skills programs
- Fear-based 'scare tactic' presentations (Correct answer)
- Social norms campaigns
Correct answer: Fear-based 'scare tactic' presentations
Research consistently shows that fear-based approaches and scare tactics do not reduce adolescent substance use and can sometimes increase curiosity.
Question 7: 'Neurobiology of addiction' education for students should emphasize that addiction is best understood as:
- A moral failing or lack of willpower
- A chronic brain disease with genetic and environmental components (Correct answer)
- A temporary phase most teens outgrow
- Purely a behavioral choice
Correct answer: A chronic brain disease with genetic and environmental components
The disease model of addiction, supported by major medical organizations, recognizes it as a chronic brain disorder influenced by genetics, environment, and development.
SAC Substance Abuse Education 3
Which risk factor for adolescent substance abuse is considered a PEER-LEVEL influence?