ADM Neurobiology of Addiction 3

Question 1

Accumulation of delta FosB (ΔFosB) in the nucleus accumbens with repeated drug exposure is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Represents a stable molecular switch contributing to long-lasting addiction-related neuroplasticity

Answer

ΔFosB is a uniquely stable transcription factor that accumulates with repeated drug exposure and persists weeks to months, altering gene expression in ways that reinforce addictive behaviors.

Question 2

Koob and Volkow's 'three-stage cycle of addiction' includes which of the following stages?

Accepted Answer

Intoxication/binge, withdrawal/negative affect, preoccupation/anticipation (craving)

Answer

The three-stage model describes binge/intoxication (basal ganglia), withdrawal/negative affect (extended amygdala), and preoccupation/anticipation (prefrontal cortex) — each stage engages distinct brain circuits.

Question 3

Behavioral sensitization (reverse tolerance) — where repeated drug exposure produces increasingly exaggerated responses — is most prominently associated with which system?

Accepted Answer

The mesolimbic dopamine system and stimulant drugs

Answer

Behavioral sensitization is classically demonstrated with stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines) via sensitization of mesolimbic dopamine circuits, producing enhanced locomotor and reinforcing responses.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Blocking NMDA glutamate receptors and potentiating GABA-A receptor function

Answer

Alcohol potentiates GABA-A receptors (enhancing inhibition) and inhibits NMDA glutamate receptors (reducing excitation), producing CNS depression, anxiolysis, and sedation.

Question 5

The insula cortex plays which specific role in addiction that makes it a therapeutic target?

Accepted Answer

Processing interoceptive signals (body states) that drive drug urges and conscious craving

Answer

The insula integrates interoceptive body signals with conscious awareness; disruption of insula function (e.g., in stroke patients) has been shown to eliminate cigarette craving, implicating it in conscious drug urges.

(ADM) Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist Practice Test

(ADM) Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist Practice Test

ADM Neurobiology of Addiction 3