SAC Substance Abuse Education 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the reward pathway activated by most addictive substances?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (mesolimbic pathway) is the central mechanism driving the reinforcing effects of addictive substances.

Question 2

A student tells a SAC counselor they drink alcohol only on weekends but consume 8+ drinks each time. This pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Binge drinking

Answer

Binge drinking is defined by NIAAA as consuming enough alcohol to raise blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher, typically 4+ drinks for women and 5+ drinks for men within about 2 hours.

Question 3

Which of the following is a DEPRESSANT of the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that enhance the effect of GABA, slowing brain activity and reducing anxiety.

Question 4

The 'gateway drug' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Use of legal or less harmful substances may precede use of harder drugs

Answer

The gateway theory proposes a statistical correlation in which use of milder substances (like tobacco or alcohol) is associated with increased likelihood of later using harder drugs, though causation is debated.

Question 5

When educating students about opioids, a SAC counselor should emphasize that tolerance means:

Accepted Answer

Higher doses are needed over time to achieve the same effect

Answer

Tolerance develops when the brain adapts to repeated drug exposure, requiring increasingly larger doses to produce the original effect.

(SAC) Student Assistance Counselor Certification Practice Test

(SAC) Student Assistance Counselor Certification Practice Test

SAC Substance Abuse Education 2