CDCA Pharmacology of Substances & Drug Effects 3

Question 1

Which medication is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and works by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol's reinforcing effects?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone (Vivitrol/ReVia)

Answer

Naltrexone blocks mu-opioid receptors through which alcohol produces pleasurable effects, reducing craving and the rewarding aspects of drinking.

Question 2

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is used to treat alcohol use disorder through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed by blocking acetaldehyde metabolism

Answer

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing toxic acetaldehyde accumulation when alcohol is consumed, resulting in flushing, nausea, and palpitations — creating an aversive deterrent.

Question 3

Which drug category includes substances like PCP (phencyclidine) and ketamine, known for causing dissociative states and distorted perceptions of reality?

Accepted Answer

Dissociative anesthetics/hallucinogens

Answer

PCP and ketamine are dissociative anesthetics classified as hallucinogens that block NMDA receptors, producing dissociation, hallucinations, and feelings of detachment from reality.

Question 4

The 'half-life' of a drug refers to:

Accepted Answer

The time required for the concentration of the drug in the body to decrease by 50%

Answer

Half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to decrease by half, which determines duration of action and dosing intervals.

Question 5

A client using inhalants (huffing) is at risk for which unique and potentially fatal consequence not typically associated with other substances?

Accepted Answer

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome due to cardiac arrhythmia

Answer

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is a risk unique to inhalant use where volatile chemicals sensitize the heart to adrenaline, causing fatal cardiac arrhythmia, even on a first use.

(CDCA) Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Practice Test

(CDCA) Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Practice Test

CDCA Pharmacology of Substances & Drug Effects 3