CRS Substance Abuse Knowledge 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is most directly implicated in the rewarding effects of opioids?

Accepted Answer

Dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway

Answer

Opioids stimulate dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens via the mesolimbic pathway, producing reward and reinforcement.

Question 2

A client reports drinking heavily every night but insists they can stop anytime. This is best described as which defense mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Denial

Answer

Denial is the refusal to acknowledge the existence or severity of a problem, common in early-stage substance use disorders.

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which benzodiazepines produce their sedative effect?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing GABA-A receptor activity

Answer

Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors and enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA, producing sedation and anxiolysis.

Question 4

Which of the following is a long-acting opioid agonist used in medication-assisted treatment that also blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone

Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is a partial opioid agonist combined with naloxone to deter misuse and block euphoria from other opioids.

Question 5

The concept of 'euphoric recall' in substance use disorders refers to:

Accepted Answer

Selectively remembering the pleasurable aspects of drug use

Answer

Euphoric recall is the tendency to remember only the positive feelings associated with substance use, minimizing memories of harm.

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