RATED A+ 2025/2026
Frequently Asked Ques ons - CORRECT ANSWERS Why do people keep using substances?
One thing that makes change so difficult is that the immediate effects of problema c substance
use tend to be posi ve. The person may feel good, have more confidence and forget about his
or her problems temporarily. The problems caused by substance use might not be obvious for
some me.
When the person uses substances to escape or change how he or she feels, using can become a
habit, which can be hard to break. Con nued substance use, especially heavy use, can cause
changes in the body and brain. A person who develops physical dependence and then stops
using may experience distressing symptoms of withdrawal. These changes may explain why
people con nue to crave the substance long a-er they have stopped using, and why they may
slip back into pa.erns of problema c use.
How do I know if I need treatment?
If you feel that substance use is causing problems in your life and that you are unable to control
your use, see a trained counsellor for an assessment. This assessment gathers informa on
about your use and related problems and other factors in your life, such as your personal
strengths and supports. This informa on will help you and your counsellor decide whether you
might benefit from treatment or other support.
One simple way of describing addic on is the presence of the 4 Cs: - CORRECT ANSWERS -
Craving
- loss of Control of amount or frequency of use
- Compulsion to use
,- use despite Consequences.
Signs & Symptoms of Addic on - CORRECT ANSWERS - injuries while under the influence
- feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression
- trouble thinking clearly
- blackouts
- problems with rela onships
- spending money on substances rather than on food, rent or other essen als
- legal problems related to substance use
- loss of hope, feelings of emp ness
Causes & Risk Factors of Addic on - CORRECT ANSWERS - Gene c factors: Some people may
inherit a vulnerability to the addic ve proper es of drugs.
- How drugs interact with the brain: People use alcohol and other drugs because they s mulate
the brain in ways that "feel good." This immediate rewarding experience makes people want to
repeat it. All substances with addic ve poten al s mulate the release of dopamine, a chemical
in the brain that is associated with reward and pleasure.
,- Environment: Peoples' home and community and the a:tude of their peers, family and
culture toward substance use can influence whether or not they develop substance use
problems. People who experience prejudice or marginaliza on may use substances to cope with
feelings of trauma or social isola on.
- Mental health issues: More than 50 per cent of people with substance use disorders have also
had mental health problems at some point during their life mes. When people have mental
health problems, even limited substance use can worsen the problem.
- Coping with thoughts and feelings: People may turn to substances as a way of coping with
difficult emo ons or situa ons. They start to rely on substances to regulate their emo ons
Risk factors for substance use problems in youth include: - CORRECT ANSWERS - alcohol or
other drug problems among family members
- poor school performance
- poverty, family conflicts, chaos or stress
- having friends who drink or use drugs
- not fi:ng in socially or being excluded because of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or
sexual orienta on
- emo onal, physical or sexual abuse
- experiencing discrimina on or oppression.
, The protec ve factors for substance use problems include: - CORRECT ANSWERS - having a
posi ve adult role model
- good parental or other caregiver supervision
- having a strong a.achment to family, school and community
- having goals and dreams
- being involved in meaningful, well-supervised ac vi es (e.g., sports, volunteer work).
Diagnosis & Treatment - CORRECT ANSWERS - Screening
- CAGE ques ons
- Treatment
- Self Help
- Harm Reduc on
- Counseling
- Alcohol and other drug educa on
- Medica ons