Which term refers to a factor that increases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder?

• A. Risk factor
• B. Sober
• C. Suboxone
• D. Thirteenth stepping

Answer: (A)

The main idea is understanding what a risk factor is: a characteristic, condition, or exposure that makes developing a substance use disorder more likely. Risk factors can be biological (like a family history or genetic predisposition), psychological (such as mental health challenges or poor coping skills), or social/environmental (peer substance use, unstable living conditions, or high stress). Importantly, having risk factors increases probability but does not guarantee that someone will develop the disorder.

Sober is simply a state of abstaining from substances, not a descriptor of factors that raise risk. Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, not a term for what heightens risk. Thirteenth stepping describes an inappropriate behavior in some recovery settings, not a scientific term for factors that influence risk.