Biological Factors
This chemical in the brain is associated with the reward system and plays a key role in addiction.
Dopamine
This type of mental health condition, including depression and anxiety, is a known risk factor.
co-occurring disorder
This type of pressure from peers is a common factor in teen drug use.
peer pressure
The earlier a person starts using substances, the higher the risk for this.
addiction
TRUE or FALSE: Addiction is a moral failing.
FALSE
The part of the brain that controls impulse and decision-making.
prefrontal cortex
This maladaptive way of coping with stress is commonly linked to addiction.
avoidance or escapism
Living in this type of neighborhood can increase the risk of substance use.
high-crime or impoverished area
Experiencing this in childhood significantly raises the risk of addiction.
trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
TRUE or FALSE: People choose to become addicted.
FALSE
Children of people with addiction are this many times more likely to develop substance use disorders.
2 to 4 times more likely
People with low levels of this emotional skill are more likely to misuse substances.
emotional regulation
Lack of this type of supportive connection can lead individuals to seek relief through substances.
social support or connection
These are critical stages where early substance use can interfere with brain development.
adolescence and young adulthood
TRUE or FALSE: Willpower alone is often not enough to overcome addiction.
TRUE
This term refers to inherited traits that make someone more likely to develop addiction.
genetic predisposition
This common trauma-related disorder is strongly linked to substance use.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Growing up in a home where this is present can increase addiction risk.
parental substance use or family dysfunction
This scale is used to measure childhood trauma and its impact on later health.
ACE score (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
TRUE or FALSE: Only illegal drugs can be addictive.
FALSE
These brain changes, seen in long-term substance use, help explain compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
neuroadaptations
People with this thinking style may believe drugs are the only way to feel normal.
cognitive distortion
This term describes a person's exposure to environments where substance use is normalized.
environmental conditioning
Early substance use may impair the development of this part of the brain that controls judgment.
prefrontal cortex
TRUE or FALSE: Addiction changes the structure and function of the brain.
TRUE