ADAPT Risk Factors and Warning Signs 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered a primary risk factor for developing a substance use disorder?
- Eating a healthy diet
- Family history of addiction (Correct answer)
- Participating in team sports
- High academic achievement
Correct answer: Family history of addiction
Genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor; individuals with a family history of addiction are two to four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Question 2: Which age group is considered the highest risk period for beginning substance use according to prevention research?
- Ages 25–35
- Ages 40–50
- Ages 12–17 (adolescence) (Correct answer)
- Ages 60+
Correct answer: Ages 12–17 (adolescence)
Adolescence is the highest-risk period because the brain is still developing, and early initiation of substance use significantly increases addiction risk.
Question 3: Which mental health condition is most commonly co-occurring with substance use disorders?
- Schizophrenia
- Depression and anxiety (Correct answer)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD only
Correct answer: Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur with substance use disorders in what is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.
Question 4: What is 'peer pressure' in the context of substance use risk?
- Encouragement from parents to make healthy choices
- Social influence from peers that encourages trying or continuing substance use (Correct answer)
- Stress from academic performance
- Pressure from employers to work faster
Correct answer: Social influence from peers that encourages trying or continuing substance use
Peer pressure is the social influence — direct or indirect — from peers that can lead individuals to use substances they might otherwise avoid.
Question 5: High levels of stress in a person's life are considered a risk factor because they can lead to:
- Increased physical activity
- Using substances as a coping mechanism (Correct answer)
- Better sleep patterns
- Stronger immune function
Correct answer: Using substances as a coping mechanism
Chronic stress is a key risk factor because individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with emotional pain or pressure.
Question 6: Which environmental factor is associated with INCREASED risk of substance use?
- Strong family bonds and parental supervision
- Active participation in extracurricular activities
- Easy access to alcohol or drugs in the community (Correct answer)
- High engagement in religious or community activities
Correct answer: Easy access to alcohol or drugs in the community
Community-level availability and normalization of substance use increases exposure and lowers the perceived risk, making use more likely.
ADAPT Risk Factors and Warning Signs 1
Which of the following is considered a primary risk factor for developing a substance use disorder?