Substance Abuse and Abuse Q 5

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When a client abuses a CNS depressant, withdrawal symptoms will be caused by which of the following?

  

     A. Acetylcholine excess

     B. Dopamine depletion

     C. Serotonin inhibition

     D. Norepinephrine rebound

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Norepinephrine rebound

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CNS depressants, when abused, cause depletion of stimulating neurotransmitters. When the CNS depressant is stopped, the result is a rebound of excitatory or stimulating neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine. Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These drugs can slow brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders.

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Option A: Most CNS depressants act on the brain by increasing activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that inhibits brain activity. This action causes the drowsy and calming effects that make the medicine effective for anxiety and sleep disorders. People who start taking CNS depressants usually feel sleepy and uncoordinated for the first few days until the body adjusts to these side effects.

Option B: If a person takes CNS depressants long term, he or she might need larger doses to achieve therapeutic effects. Continued use can also lead to dependence and withdrawal when use is abruptly reduced or stopped. Suddenly stopping can also lead to harmful consequences like seizures.

Option C: Acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin are not significant factors in the symptoms of withdrawal from a CNS depressant. When people overdose on a CNS depressant, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term mental effects and effects on the nervous system, including coma and permanent brain damage.

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