LCDC Pharmacology of Addictions

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the reinforcing effects of most addictive substances in the brain's reward pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism of action of methadone in treating opioid use disorder?

Accepted Answer

Full agonist at mu-opioid receptors with long half-life

Answer

Partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors

Answer

Antagonist at all opioid receptors

Answer

Blocks dopamine reuptake

Question 3

Which medication causes an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed and is used as a deterrent in treating alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

Disulfiram

Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Acamprosate

Answer

Bupropion

Question 4

A drug's 'half-life' is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the drug's concentration

Answer

The time required for a drug to reach peak concentration

Answer

The duration of a drug's therapeutic effect

Answer

The time between first dose and onset of tolerance

Question 5

Which class of drugs produces CNS depressant effects primarily by enhancing the activity of GABA receptors?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Opioids

Answer

Stimulants

Answer

Hallucinogens

Question 6

Cocaine primarily produces euphoric effects by:

Accepted Answer

Blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

Answer

Stimulating dopamine receptors directly

Answer

Increasing release of endogenous opioids

Answer

Enhancing GABA inhibition in the prefrontal cortex

Question 7

Which FDA-approved medication blocks opioid receptors and is indicated for treating both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Disulfiram

Answer

Acamprosate