A nurse is educating a group of clients about addiction. The nurse should include that which of the following factors increases the potential for addiction?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Initial use of substances began in adulthood: Starting substance use in adulthood is generally associated with a lower risk of developing addiction compared to early initiation. Early exposure to substances can significantly affect brain development and increase vulnerability to addiction. B. The developing brain is exposed to substances at an early age: Early exposure to substances during critical periods of brain development can disrupt normal neurological processes and increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life. This is a well-established risk factor for addiction. C. The brain already has cognitive deficits that cause it to be vulnerable to addiction: While cognitive deficits can increase vulnerability to addiction, this factor is more specific and not as broadly applicable as the impact of early substance exposure on a developing brain. D. Medical insurance availability for substance use disorder treatment: While having access to treatment is important for recovery, it does not increase the potential for addiction. In fact, access to treatment can help mitigate the effects of addiction and support recovery efforts.