Question

Ashleigh (age 16): i wonder if life will get easier for me. my friends are happy and carefree, so i know it���s possible. i need to quit smoking, but it does help me feel less stressed. at least i���m only smoking one or two cigarettes a day, and only after school when i feel most stressed.

Identify this person's stage of substance use disorder:
1) Precontemplation
2) Contemplation
3) Preparation
4) Action
5) Maintenance

Answer 1

Ashleigh is in the Contemplation stage of substance use disorder, as she is aware of her smoking problem and is considering quitting due to its negative health impacts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the details provided by Ashleigh, she seems to be in the Contemplation stage of substance use disorder. Contemplation is the stage where the individual recognizes the problem and is seriously thinking about addressing it but has not yet made a commitment to take action. Ashleigh is aware of her smoking habit, understands it's not good for her, and expresses a desire to quit as she compares her lifestyle to that of her happy and carefree friends. The knowledge of the health risks from smoking, such as an increased chance of developing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, infections, and cancer, further supports the need for action. Encouragement to stop smoking, highlighting the benefits like the significant decrease in the risk of heart disease within one year after quitting, would be beneficial.