LCDC Pharmacology of Addictions 2

Question 1

Which statement best distinguishes physical dependence from addiction?

Accepted Answer

Physical dependence involves withdrawal symptoms upon cessation; addiction involves compulsive use despite harm

Answer

Physical dependence is a physiological adaptation resulting in withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation, while addiction (substance use disorder) involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.

Question 2

Buprenorphine is effective in treating opioid use disorder primarily because it is:

Accepted Answer

A partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors with a ceiling effect

Answer

Buprenorphine's partial agonist activity suppresses withdrawal and cravings, while its ceiling effect on respiratory depression makes it safer in overdose compared to full agonists.

Question 3

Tolerance to a drug is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The need for increasing amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect

Answer

Tolerance develops when repeated drug exposure leads to diminished effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the original response, often through receptor downregulation or metabolic adaptation.

Question 4

Cannabis exerts its primary psychoactive effects by binding to which receptor system?

Accepted Answer

Endocannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors

Answer

THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis) binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in peripheral tissues, mimicking endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide.

Question 5

Compared to opioid withdrawal, alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal is considered more dangerous because it can cause:

Accepted Answer

Life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens

Answer

Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can produce potentially fatal grand mal seizures and delirium tremens due to CNS hyperexcitability when GABA inhibition is suddenly removed.

LCDC - Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Practice Test

LCDC - Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Practice Test

LCDC Pharmacology of Addictions 2