Substance Abuse and Addiction Flashcards

Which of the following best defines 'substance use disorder'?

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.

What is 'physical dependence' in the context of substance use?

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.

Which of the following is a warning sign that someone may have a substance use problem?

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.

Which factor is most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder?

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.

What does 'tolerance' to a substance mean?

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.

Which statement about addiction recovery is most accurate?

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.