TLSAE Substance Abuse and Addiction 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best defines 'substance use disorder'?
- Drinking alcohol at any social event
- A chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite negative consequences (Correct answer)
- A temporary phase most young people go through
- Using any prescription medication
Correct answer: A chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite negative consequences
Substance use disorder is recognized as a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences, not simply a moral failing or choice.
Question 2: What is 'physical dependence' in the context of substance use?
- A strong emotional preference for a substance
- A state in which the body adapts to a substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when use stops (Correct answer)
- The ability to function normally after using a substance
- A doctor's diagnosis of addiction
Correct answer: A state in which the body adapts to a substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when use stops
Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to a substance so that stopping its use causes withdrawal symptoms — it is a sign of addiction risk.
Question 3: Which of the following is a warning sign that someone may have a substance use problem?
- Occasionally having a drink with dinner
- Continuing to use a substance despite it causing problems at work, school, or in relationships (Correct answer)
- Taking prescribed medication as directed
- Feeling relaxed after using alcohol
Correct answer: Continuing to use a substance despite it causing problems at work, school, or in relationships
Continuing substance use despite repeated negative consequences in work, relationships, or health is a key diagnostic criterion for substance use disorder.
Question 4: Which factor is most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder?
- Being left-handed
- A family history of addiction combined with early first use (Correct answer)
- Living in an urban area
- Attending college
Correct answer: A family history of addiction combined with early first use
Both genetic predisposition (family history) and early first use of substances are among the strongest risk factors for developing a substance use disorder.
Question 5: What does 'tolerance' to a substance mean?
- The ability to stop using a substance at any time
- Needing increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect (Correct answer)
- Being legally allowed to use the substance
- A stage of recovery from addiction
Correct answer: Needing increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect
Tolerance means the body has adapted to a substance and requires larger doses to produce the same effect — a hallmark sign of developing addiction.
Question 6: Which statement about addiction recovery is most accurate?
- Addiction is cured after completing a single treatment program
- Recovery is a long-term process and relapse is common but does not mean treatment has failed (Correct answer)
- Only willpower is needed to overcome addiction
- People who relapse should not receive further treatment
Correct answer: Recovery is a long-term process and relapse is common but does not mean treatment has failed
Recovery from addiction is a long-term process; relapse rates are similar to other chronic diseases like diabetes and do not indicate treatment failure.
TLSAE Substance Abuse and Addiction 1
Which of the following best defines 'substance use disorder'?