Chapter 14.1: Substance Abuse

Question 1

Which of the following types of drugs would be a strong agonist?

Answer 1

One with high affinity and high efficacy

Question 2

The gene with the best-documented effect on predisposition to alcohol abuse exerts its effect in what way?

Answer 2

It alters how the liver metabolizes alcohol

Question 3

What evidence demonstrates predisposition toward drug or alcohol abuse?

Answer 3

Siblings of someone with drug addiction show abnormalities of brain and behavior

Question 4

Genetic predisposition is most strongly evident for which type of alcohol abuser?

Answer 4

People with early-onset alcohol abuse

Question 5

Of the following, which type of person is more likely than average to abuse alcohol?

Answer 5

Someone who shows little effect after moderate drinking

Question 6

What is the relationship between drug abuse and dopamine?

Answer 6

Most abused drugs release dopamine, but not in proportion to addictive potential

Question 7

What is the effect on the nucleus accumbens after repeated cocaine use?

Answer 7

The nucleus accumbens becomes less responsive to rewarding experiences

Question 8

What accounts for increased craving during cocaine abstinence?

Answer 8

Increased sensitivity of glutamate synapses to cues for cocaine

Question 9

What evidence indicates that tolerance is o a large extent learned?

Answer 9

Tolerance is greater in the location where one previously took the drug than elsewhere

Question 10

In tests of Antabuse effectiveness, why are placebos so effective?

Answer 10

Anatabuse is effectively mainly by the threat of illness after drinking

Question 11

What is the advantage of taking methadone instead of morphine or heroin?

Answer 11

Methadone satisfies the craving without seriously disrupting behavior