What is the correct sequence on the Substance Use continuum?

What is the correct sequence on the Substance Use continuum?

• A. Addiction - Use - Misuse
• B. Use - Misuse - Addiction
• C. Misuse - Use - Addiction
• D. Use - Addiction - Misuse

Answer: (B)

The sequence shows how substance use can progress from initial exposure to increasingly problematic patterns, ending in addiction. It starts with use, which is simply trying or consuming a substance. From there, some individuals may move into misuse—using in ways not intended, in greater amounts, or for non-medical reasons. If the pattern continues and problems become persistent and compulsive, it reaches addiction, a chronic state characterized by loss of control and significant negative consequences. This ordering makes sense because you wouldn’t start with addiction or place misuse before ever trying the substance; exposure typically precedes problematic patterns. The other options disrupt this natural progression (for example, starting with addiction or placing misuse before any use), so they don’t fit the concept of the continuum.

The sequence shows how substance use can progress from initial exposure to increasingly problematic patterns, ending in addiction. It starts with use, which is simply trying or consuming a substance. From there, some individuals may move into misuse—using in ways not intended, in greater amounts, or for non-medical reasons. If the pattern continues and problems become persistent and compulsive, it reaches addiction, a chronic state characterized by loss of control and significant negative consequences. This ordering makes sense because you wouldn’t start with addiction or place misuse before ever trying the substance; exposure typically precedes problematic patterns. The other options disrupt this natural progression (for example, starting with addiction or placing misuse before any use), so they don’t fit the concept of the continuum.