Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Pharmacology of Substance Use 4

Question 1

Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces its aversive effect by inhibiting which enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)

Answer

Disulfiram blocks ALDH, the enzyme that converts acetaldehyde to acetate; acetaldehyde accumulates and causes flushing, nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular symptoms.

Question 2

Which cannabinoid receptor subtype mediates most of THC's psychoactive effects?

Accepted Answer

CB1 receptors in the central nervous system

Answer

THC is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors concentrated in the basal ganglia, hippocampus, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex, producing its psychoactive, amnestic, and motor effects.

Question 3

Acamprosate's therapeutic mechanism in alcohol use disorder involves:

Accepted Answer

Modulating glutamate and GABA activity to reduce post-acute withdrawal symptoms

Answer

Chronic alcohol use upregulates NMDA glutamate receptors; acamprosate reduces glutamate hyperactivity during abstinence and stabilizes GABAergic tone, alleviating protracted withdrawal discomfort.

Question 4

Phencyclidine (PCP) produces its distinctive dissociative effects primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Noncompetitively antagonizing NMDA glutamate receptors

Answer

PCP binds within the ion channel of the NMDA receptor and blocks glutamate-mediated transmission, producing analgesia, dissociation, and psychosis-like symptoms.

Question 5

A client on buprenorphine maintenance presents with acute severe pain after a car accident. The MOST appropriate analgesic strategy is:

Accepted Answer

Continue buprenorphine and add non-opioid analgesics plus, if needed, high-dose full agonist opioids

Answer

Buprenorphine's high mu-receptor affinity means full agonists must compete, but continuing buprenorphine prevents withdrawal and addiction relapse; multimodal analgesia with high-dose opioids can still provide pain relief.

Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Practice Test

Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Practice Test

Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Pharmacology of Substance Use 4