Figuring Out New Vocabulary

Here are some sentences with vocabulary from the reading selection. Use logic to figure out a definition of the underlined vocabulary item. Then answer the question about the word or words.

In spite of the health risks of addiction, kicking the habit can be close to impossible for some addicts, and very difficult for most. (A)

1		What is the meaning of the idiom to kick the habit?
			A)	to permanently stop doing something that you have been doing for a long time
			B)	to go into treatment for addiction
			C)	to start doing something regularly

Every year, many people addicted to alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes try to go "cold turkey," quitting suddenly without the help of any kind of treatment. (B)

2		What is the meaning of the idiom to go 'cold turkey'?
			A)	to go into treatment for addiction
			B)	to try to stop quickly and suddenly without any outside help
			C)	to stop addictive behavior by eating turkey instead

Critics of these programs say that they focus too much on God and religion, while supporters say that twelve-step programs are not Christian, but rather spiritual, and that they encourage people to consider whether or not there is a power greater than themselves. (C)

3		What is the meaning of the verb encourage?
			A)	to support or advise someone to do something
			B)	to try to prevent someone from doing something
			C)	to make someone do something

For those with very serious addictions or for whom these outpatient programs (programs outside of a clinic or hospital) don't work, there are residential treatment centers. (C)

4		If someone is taking part in a residential program, where does he or she live?
			A)	at home
			B)	in a hospital, clinic, or institution
			C)	in prison

Nicotine replacement products, such as the patch, gum, nasal sprays, and inhalers provide the body with small amounts of nicotine (the habit-forming chemical found in cigarettes) without the harmful toxins of cigarettes. (D)

5		What is the main characteristic of nicotine?
			A)	it is healthy
			B)	it is toxic
			C)	it is addictive

Antabuse is a medication that prevents people from drinking. If a person drinks alcohol while taking Antabuse, they get severely sick with vomiting, shaking, and sweating. (D)

6		What is the meaning of the verb prevent?
			A)	to stop
			B)	to support
			C)	to make sick

Finally, many people suffering from addiction have looked for answers in alternative remedies and treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, and hypnosis. These treatments are usually not done by traditional doctors or in hospitals. (E)

7		What does alternative mean?
			A)	traditional
			B)	not traditional
			C)	medical

Many experts say that a combination of different treatments is the most effective way to stop addictive behavior. For instance, one of the most successful methods for smokers is a combination of the nicotine replacement products (such as the patch, or gum) and antidepressants. (F)

8		What does effective mean?
			A)	difficult
			B)	unusual
			C)	successful

Studies show that addicts who are forced into recovery have a much lower success rate than those who try to recover because they want to. (G)

9		What does the verb force mean?
			A)	to make someone do something difficult without giving them a choice
			B)	to give someone the opportunity to do something they want to do
			C)	to do something because you want to do it