Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic of a substance use disorder?

1. Infrequent usage of a substance

2. Dependence on a substance

3. Use in social situations only

4. Avoidance of legal issues

The correct answer is: Dependence on a substance

A substance use disorder is typically characterized by a reliance on a substance that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. Dependence often manifests as a tolerance to the substance, where a person needs to use more of it to achieve the same effect, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance. This indicates that the individual is using the substance in a way that is not merely recreational but has developed into a pattern that disrupts their life. The other options do not reflect characteristics of a substance use disorder. Infrequent usage does not indicate a disorder; on the contrary, it suggests that there is likely no problematic use occurring. Using a substance solely in social situations typically aligns more with recreational use rather than a disorder, which encompasses broader patterns and indicators of misuse. Avoiding legal issues does not characterize substance use disorders; rather, it suggests that the individual may be managing their use in a way that doesn’t attract legal consequences, which again does not indicate the presence of a disorder. Thus, dependence encapsulates the essence of a substance use disorder as it reflects deeper issues related to the substance in question.