MAC Pharmacology of Substances 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is PRIMARILY responsible for the reinforcing effects of most addictive substances?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway

Answer

The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, particularly projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens, mediates reward and reinforcement for most addictive substances.

Question 2

A client reports that after stopping benzodiazepines abruptly, they experienced seizures. This is because benzodiazepines act as:

Accepted Answer

GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulators

Answer

Benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A receptor activity, and abrupt cessation causes CNS hyperexcitability due to rebound, which can manifest as seizures.

Question 3

Naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings primarily by blocking:

Accepted Answer

Endogenous opioid receptors that mediate alcohol's rewarding effects

Answer

Naltrexone blocks mu-opioid receptors, thereby attenuating the endorphin-mediated euphoria and reward that contributes to alcohol craving.

Question 4

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of the half-life of THC metabolites in heavy cannabis users?

Accepted Answer

Several days to weeks due to fat solubility

Answer

THC is highly lipophilic and accumulates in fatty tissue, causing metabolites to be detectable in urine for weeks in heavy chronic users.

Question 5

Cocaine's primary mechanism of action involves:

Accepted Answer

Blocking reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

Answer

Cocaine inhibits the reuptake transporters for dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, increasing synaptic concentrations of all three monoamines.

Master Addiction Counselor Exam Practice Test

Master Addiction Counselor Exam Practice Test

MAC Pharmacology of Substances 2