National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with detailed explanations and hints. Get ready for your NCAC I certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How long does it take for physical dependence to develop in benzodiazepine users?

1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 months
4 months

The correct answer is: 4 months

Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can develop after extended use, typically within several weeks of consistent use. It can take about 2-4 weeks for dependence to start manifesting in some users, but in others, especially with long-term or high-dose use, it may take longer for significant physical dependence to establish, pushing the timeline toward 1-2 months or even longer. Benzodiazepines, when taken regularly, can lead to changes in the brain’s chemistry, resulting in tolerance and dependence. Physical dependence is marked by the body adapting to the drug's presence, meaning that the user may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the medication. This adaptation can vary greatly based on factors such as the specific benzodiazepine, dosage, duration of use, and individual biological differences among users. In contrast, the other timelines presented in the options may underestimate the actual duration it may take for significant dependence to occur, particularly when considering the more chronic use cases that lead to a stronger physical dependence.