Alcohol and Drug Counselor Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances Flashcards

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily responsible for the reinforcing effects of opioids?

Answer: Dopaminergic system in the mesolimbic pathway

Opioids activate the mesolimbic dopamine pathway by disinhibiting dopamine neurons, producing reinforcing effects.

Naltrexone is used in alcohol use disorder treatment primarily because it:

Answer: Blocks opioid receptors and reduces alcohol's rewarding effects

Naltrexone blocks mu-opioid receptors, reducing the euphoric and rewarding effects of alcohol consumption.

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?

Answer: They potentiate GABA-A receptor activity, increasing chloride ion influx

Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors and enhance the effect of GABA, increasing chloride conductance and producing CNS depression.

A client reports using methamphetamine and describes feeling extremely energetic and confident with a decreased need for sleep. These effects are primarily due to:

Answer: Massive release and reuptake blockade of catecholamines

Methamphetamine causes massive release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin while also blocking their reuptake transporters.

The half-life of a drug refers to:

Answer: The time required for the plasma concentration to decrease by 50%

Half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the blood plasma to be reduced by half.

Which of the following withdrawal syndromes is considered potentially life-threatening without medical intervention?

Answer: Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium tremens, and death, making it one of the few withdrawal syndromes that can be lethal.

Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces its aversive effect by:

Answer: Inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde accumulation

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing toxic acetaldehyde to accumulate when alcohol is consumed, producing nausea and flushing.