Question 1

Scientists have conducted breeding experiments by mating across generations nonhumans that prefer alcohol. What have these researchers found?

Accepted Answer

Researchers have found that many of the offspring from nonhumans that prefer alcohol also show a preference for alcohol, indicating a genetic component to alcohol preference.

Question 2

Research indicates that the MOST important neurotransmitter in the "pleasure pathway" of the brain is probably:

Accepted Answer

Dopamine is known to be the most important neurotransmitter in the pleasure pathway of the brain. It is responsible for regulating motivation, reward, and reinforcement, and is linked to addictive behaviors such as drug abuse and compulsive gambling. While other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, anandamide, and endorphins also play a role in pleasure and reward systems, dopamine is considered the primary player.

Question 3

A manager who feels anxious about speaking in front of large groups frequently has a couple of glasses of wine to "relax" before beginning to speak. This "medicinal" use of alcohol can be explained MOST easily:

Accepted Answer

This behavior can be explained by operant conditioning, as the manager has learned to associate the consumption of alcohol with a reduction in anxiety prior to speaking in front of a large group. This behavior is reinforced by the relief from anxiety that the manager experiences after consuming alcohol.

Question 4

Is there any genetic explanation for substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

While a conclusive genetic explanation for substance use disorders has not yet been found, studies have found a correlation between substance use disorder and abnormal D2 receptor genes, making choice D the best option. Choice B is incorrect because more than 10 chromosomes are involved in substance use disorders, and choice C is incorrect because while one twin study suggests a genetic link, it is not enough evidence to conclusively support a genetic explanation. choice A is incorrect because there is a possibility of finding a conclusive genetic explanation in the future.

Question 5

The MOST commonly used form of treatment for a substance use disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, are the most commonly used form of treatment for substance use disorders. They offer a supportive community of individuals who understand and have experienced similar struggles with addiction. They also provide a structured program, based on the 12-step model, for individuals to follow in their recovery. Research has shown that involvement in self-help groups can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan for substance use disorders.

Question 6

According to reports about the effectiveness of Drug Courts and Sobriety High programs, how likely are those who complete these programs to violate the law again compared with those who do not complete them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to reports about the effectiveness of...

Question 7

A person with a substance abuse problem has just self-administered by intramuscular injection an overdose of fentanyl, a very powerful synthetic narcotic. A potentially fatal side effect of fentanyl overdose is that breathing stops. Assuming the drug would interfere with breathing when it reaches the brain, the person should experience breathing difficulty:

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl administered by intramuscular injection typically takes a few minutes to reach the brain and affect breathing, due to the time required for absorption into the bloodstream and then distribution to the brain.

Question 8

"Drug dependence may develop because one finds drug use rewarding when it reduces tension." Which view of substance abuse would MOST agree with this statement?

Accepted Answer

The behavioral view of substance abuse emphasizes that drug addiction is a learned behavior that develops through the reinforcement of drug use. If drug use is accompanied by a reduction in tension, and consequently leads to positive feelings or rewards, then this will increase the likelihood that the individual will continue to use drugs and become dependent.

Question 9

A researcher reports that a drug directly stimulates a reward center in the brain rather than through indirect stimulation of a reward center. The drug the researcher is studying could be any of the following drugs EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Marijuana is not known to directly stimulate the reward center in the brain, but rather indirectly through its effect on the release and uptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine. The other three substances listed - powdered cocaine, methamphetamine, and caffeine - are all known to directly stimulate the reward center in the brain.

Question 10

Assume a researcher finds that overuse of a drug reduces the body's production of neurotransmitters. Thus, if an abuser of this drug stops taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms occur until the brain begins producing normal levels of neurotransmitters again. Such a finding would most directly support which view of the cause of substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

The finding that overuse of a drug reduces the body's production of neurotransmitters supports the biochemical view of the cause of substance use disorders, which posits that biological factors are the primary cause of addiction.

Question 11

Daniel, an intravenous heroin user, feels intense cravings when he sees hypodermic needles. This may be an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of classical conditioning, where the hypodermic needles act as a conditioned stimulus that elicits the conditioned response of intense cravings. The association between the needles and the drug use has been learned through repeated pairings, leading to a conditioned response.

Question 12

Chronic and excessive use of benzodiazepines may cause the:

Accepted Answer

Chronic and excessive use of benzodiazepines leads to the downregulation of GABA receptors, resulting in decreased production of GABA.

Question 13

A researcher reports that a drug indirectly stimulates a reward center in the brain rather than directly stimulating it. The drug the researcher is studying could be any of the following drugs EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Cocaine directly stimulates the reward center by increasing dopamine levels in the brain's circuits, unlike the other options which have more indirect effects on the reward system.

Question 14

If genetics plays a strong role in the development of cocaine abuse, we would expect to find the lowest concordance rates for cocaine abuse among:

Accepted Answer

Genetically unrelated pairs of people would have the lowest concordance rates for cocaine abuse if genetics plays a strong role, as they share the least genetic similarity compared to parents and their children, identical twins, or siblings of the same gender.

Question 15

Which of the following has been identified as a problem in designing and evaluating treatment methods for substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Defining treatment success is difficult because it may vary based on the individual's goals and expectations for treatment. Additionally, relapse is a common occurrence in substance abuse treatment, so it may be difficult to determine if a certain treatment method was truly effective. Antagonistic drugs, while not legal in some cases, do not necessarily represent a major problem in designing and evaluating treatment methods. Finally, substance abuse is a complex issue that has both biological and psychological components, so effective treatment may require a combination of both approaches.

Question 16

A marijuana user has just taken the drug. Almost half an hour passes before the user begins to experience the drug high. Most likely, the user has taken the drug by:

Accepted Answer

When marijuana is consumed by eating, it takes longer for the effects to be felt because the drug must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which can take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Question 17

A friend says, "I'm thinking about getting some help for my problem drinking. What's the most commonly used form of treatment?" Your BEST answer is:

Accepted Answer

Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), are the most commonly used form of treatment for problem drinking. They offer peer support, accountability, and a program for recovery that involves the 12-step approach. Many people have found success in these types of groups. While private doctors' offices and outpatient mental health centers may also offer treatment, they are generally not as commonly used as self-help groups. Inpatient rehabilitation is another option, but it is typically reserved for more severe cases or those who have unsuccessfully tried other forms of treatment.

Question 18

Studies attempting to relate personality traits to potential for developing substance abuse show that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Studies attempting to relate personality traits to...

Question 19

Psychodynamic therapies may not be very effective in the treatment of substance use disorders because:

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapies focus on exploring the underlying psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the substance use disorder, but may not always prioritize the immediate treatment of the substance use itself. Multidimensional treatment programs are often recommended for substance use disorders, which can include a combination of behavioral therapies, medication, and addressing any underlying mental health conditions.

Question 20

One longitudinal study found that men who develop alcoholism were initially MORE:

Accepted Answer

The answer of One longitudinal study found that men who...

Quiz 12: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders