CADC Pharmacology of Substance Abuse 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily responsible for the reinforcing effects of most addictive substances?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (the brain's reward center) is the primary mechanism behind the reinforcing properties of addictive drugs.

Question 2

A client reports using heroin daily for two years. Which opioid receptor type is most responsible for heroin's analgesic and euphoric effects?

Accepted Answer

Mu (μ)

Answer

Mu (μ) opioid receptors mediate the primary analgesic, euphoric, and respiratory-depressant effects of heroin and other opioids.

Question 3

Naloxone reverses opioid overdose by acting as a:

Accepted Answer

Competitive antagonist at opioid receptors

Answer

Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist that rapidly displaces opioids from their receptors, reversing respiratory depression.

Question 4

Which statement best describes cross-tolerance in substance abuse pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance developed to one drug that reduces the effect of a pharmacologically similar drug

Answer

Cross-tolerance occurs when tolerance to one drug confers tolerance to another drug in the same pharmacological class, such as tolerance to alcohol reducing the effects of benzodiazepines.

Question 5

The phenomenon where a drug produces progressively stronger effects with repeated administration at the same dose is called:

Accepted Answer

Sensitization (reverse tolerance)

Answer

Sensitization (or reverse tolerance) describes increasing drug effects with repeated use, commonly seen with stimulants like cocaine causing escalating psychosis.

(CADC) Certification Prep and Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test

(CADC) Certification Prep and Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test

CADC Pharmacology of Substance Abuse 2