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Alcohol and Drug Counselor Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances Flashcards

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  1. Which statement best describes the concept of physical dependence?

    Answer: An adaptive physiological state where abstinence causes withdrawal symptoms

    Physical dependence is an adaptive physiological state characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation of the substance.

  2. Cannabis produces its psychoactive effects primarily through:

    Answer: Binding to endocannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain

    THC mimics endogenous cannabinoids by binding to CB1 receptors, which are found throughout the brain and mediate its psychoactive effects.

  3. A counselor is working with a client experiencing opioid overdose. Which medication should be administered immediately?

    Answer: Naloxone (Narcan)

    Naloxone is a fast-acting opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid overdose by displacing opioids from receptors.

  4. Cocaine's primary mechanism of action involves:

    Answer: Blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine at synapses

    Cocaine blocks monoamine reuptake transporters (DAT, SERT, NET), causing accumulation of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the synapse.

  5. Which factor most significantly influences a drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier?

    Answer: The drug's molecular weight and lipid solubility

    Lipid-soluble, small-molecular-weight drugs most readily cross the blood-brain barrier through passive diffusion.

  6. Methadone is effective for opioid use disorder maintenance treatment because it:

    Answer: Has a long half-life and produces stable blood levels that reduce cravings and withdrawal

    Methadone's long half-life (24-36 hours) allows once-daily dosing, stabilizes opioid receptor activity, and eliminates withdrawal and craving cycles.

  7. The term 'synergistic effect' in pharmacology refers to when two drugs:

    Answer: Produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects

    Synergism occurs when the combined effect of two drugs exceeds the additive sum of each drug's individual effect, which increases both therapeutic and dangerous potential.