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What Do You Know About Substance-Use Disorder?

Substance-use disorder is also called drug addiction. It affects more than just the person using the drugs. Substance abuse can break apart families, ruin personal relationships, and make it difficult to keep a job. Learn more about substance-use disorder and its effects by taking this quiz. It is based on information from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

1. People who abuse drugs are weak-willed. They could control their craving for drugs if they tried.
2. Marijuana is the most commonly abused street drug in the U.S.
3. Club drugs got their start at all-night dance parties among teens. These illegal drugs have moved into mainstream culture.
4. Over the last few years, the number of people abusing controlled prescription drugs in the U.S. has grown.
5. Anabolic steroids are the same as corticosteroids. Both drugs have the same dangerous side effects.
6. A single time of inhalant sniffing can cause heart failure and death.
7. Different drugs cause different symptoms. So it's not always easy to tell when someone is abusing a substance. One possible sign of substance-use disorder in teens is when grades slip and school attendance becomes irregular.
8. If you suspect that a loved one is abusing drugs, check that the person isn't in any immediate danger. If the person isn't in immediate danger, wait to discuss the abuse issue until they aren't high. If they are in immediate danger, take them to the closest emergency department or call 911.
9. Most people who are treated for substance-use disorder need to stay in treatment for at least 3 months.

Medical Reviewers:

  • Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN
  • Perez, Eric, MD
  • Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN