Addiction Medicine Certification Neurobiology of Addiction 2

Question 1

How do opioids primarily produce their analgesic and euphoric effects?

Accepted Answer

By activating mu-opioid receptors coupled to inhibitory G proteins

Answer

Opioids bind to mu-opioid receptors (as well as delta and kappa receptors), which are Gi-coupled and reduce neuronal excitability, producing analgesia and euphoria through downstream dopamine release.

Question 2

Alcohol's sedative effects are primarily mediated through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Potentiation of GABA-A receptors and inhibition of NMDA glutamate receptors

Answer

Alcohol enhances inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission at GABA-A receptors and inhibits excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission at NMDA receptors, producing CNS depression.

Question 3

Why does abrupt alcohol withdrawal cause seizures?

Accepted Answer

Rebound NMDA receptor hyperactivity and reduced GABA function due to neuroadaptation

Answer

Chronic alcohol use upregulates NMDA receptors and downregulates GABA-A receptors; abrupt cessation leaves the brain in a hyperexcitable state due to these neuroadaptations, leading to seizure risk.

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism by which cocaine produces its euphoric effects?

Accepted Answer

Blocking reuptake transporters for dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

Answer

Cocaine blocks monoamine reuptake transporters (DAT, NET, SERT), flooding the synapse with dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, with dopamine accumulation in the nucleus accumbens producing intense euphoria.

Question 5

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in addiction?

Accepted Answer

It mediates impulse control and decision-making, both of which are impaired in addiction

Answer

The prefrontal cortex mediates executive functions including inhibitory control and decision-making; dysfunction of this region in addiction results in impaired control over drug-seeking despite negative consequences.

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Neurobiology of Addiction 2