Question 1

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal&#10;A) Are most severe 8 to 10 hours after last drink&#10;B) Are most severe 24 to 28 hours after last drink&#10;C) Include hallucinations among 50% of individuals&#10;D) Are evidenced as delirium tremens 2 weeks after the last drink

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are most severe 24 to 28 hours after the last drink, peaking during this time frame. This period is critical for monitoring and managing withdrawal symptoms to prevent complications.

Question 2

Current treatment approaches for dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders focuses on&#10;A) Identifying primary disorders and treating them first&#10;B) Treating psychiatric disorders and substance-related disorders separately&#10;C) Treating all co-occurring disorders as primary disorders&#10;D) Treating psychiatric disorders first

Accepted Answer

Current treatment approaches for dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders emphasize treating all co-occurring disorders as primary. This integrated treatment approach recognizes the interconnection between psychiatric disorders and substance-related disorders, addressing them simultaneously to provide comprehensive care.

Question 3

It is known that high levels of alcohol consumption&#10;A) Exacerbate psychiatric symptoms&#10;B) Improve circulation&#10;C) Reduce the risk for developing dementia&#10;D) Reduce the risk of suicide among older adults

Accepted Answer

High levels of alcohol consumption can worsen or trigger psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Answer: D 
 Research has shown that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of suicide, but high levels of alcohol consumption increase the risk of suicidal behavior, especially among older adults.

Question 4

Which of the following brain nuclei is involved with pleasure and addiction?&#10;A) Red nucleus&#10;B) Hypothalamus&#10;C) Substantia nigra&#10;D) Nucleus accumbens

Accepted Answer

The nucleus accumbens is a part of the brain's reward circuit and is involved in pleasurable experiences, as well as addiction. It receives signals from other areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Question 5

The common pathway of reinforcement and reward that is believed to be involved in substance-related disorders is the&#10;A) Mesocortical dopamine pathway&#10;B) Mesolimbic dopamine pathway&#10;C) Tuberinfundibular dopamine pathway&#10;D) Nigrostriatal dopamine pathway

Accepted Answer

The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, which is involved in the reward and reinforcement system, is believed to be involved in substance-related disorders. This pathway links the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the midbrain to the nucleus accumbens in the basal ganglia, and is responsible for the release of dopamine that produces feelings of pleasure and reward. Dysregulation of this pathway has been associated with addiction to drugs and other substances.

Question 6

The clinical effects and withdrawal symptoms of amphetamines are similar to those of&#10;A) Heroine&#10;B) Alcohol&#10;C) Cocaine&#10;D) Marijuana

Accepted Answer

The clinical effects and withdrawal symptoms of amphetamines are similar to those of cocaine. Both are stimulant drugs that can produce an intense rush of euphoria, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Chronic use can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, paranoia, and aggression. Withdrawal symptoms from both drugs can include depression, fatigue, irritability, and intense drug cravings. Heroin and alcohol have different effects and withdrawal symptoms, while marijuana is not a stimulant drug and has its own unique set of effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Question 7

Which of the following medications used to decrease alcohol consumption interferes with the metabolism of alcohol?&#10;A) Naltrexone (ReVia)&#10;B) Disulfiram (Antabuse)&#10;C) Acamprosate (Campral)&#10;D) Extended-release naltrexone injection

Accepted Answer

Disulfiram (Antabuse) interferes with the metabolism of alcohol by blocking the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. This causes the accumulation of acetaldehyde, resulting in unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, nausea, and vomiting if alcohol is consumed. This negative reinforcement helps to discourage people from drinking.

Question 8

The areas of the brain considered to be most involved in the development of substance abuse are the&#10;A) Brainstem and reticular activating system&#10;B) Thalamus and hypothalamus&#10;C) Ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens&#10;D) Cerebellum and olfactory bulb

Accepted Answer

The ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens are known as key areas in the brain's reward pathway, which plays a central role in substance abuse and addiction. These areas are associated with the release of dopamine in response to drug use, which reinforces drug-seeking behaviors. The brainstem and reticular activating system (Option A) are involved in basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing and heart rate, but not specifically linked to substance abuse. The thalamus and hypothalamus (Option B) are also involved in a variety of functions, such as regulating sleep and appetite, but are not central to substance abuse. The cerebellum and olfactory bulb (Option D) are primarily involved in balance and coordination of movement and the sense of smell, respectively, and not related to substance abuse.

Question 9

The action produced by cocaine that can cause symptoms of paranoia and hallucinations similar to symptoms of schizophrenia is related to&#10;A) Increase of dopamine&#10;B) Decrease of dopamine&#10;C) Increase of norepinephrine&#10;D) Decrease of glutamate

Accepted Answer

Cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in an increase in dopamine levels in the brain. This excess dopamine may contribute to the development of symptoms of paranoia and hallucinations, which are similar to symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 10

The area of the brain that is involved in substance abuse is the reward center of the brain, which includes the&#10;A) Brainstem&#10;B) Thalamus&#10;C) Cerebellum&#10;D) Ventral tegmental area

Accepted Answer

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is part of the reward center of the brain that is involved in substance abuse. It plays a critical role in the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and reinforces positive behaviors. Dysfunction in the VTA has been linked to drug addiction and other forms of substance abuse. The brainstem, thalamus, and cerebellum are involved in various other functions of the brain such as regulating basic bodily functions, relaying sensory information, and coordinating movement and balance, respectively.

Deck 17: Dual Diagnosis