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

What effect does Naltrexone have on alcohol consumption?

1. It increases cravings

2. It creates aversive reactions

3. It prevents pleasurable effects

4. It enhances metabolic processing of alcohol

The correct answer is: It prevents pleasurable effects

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that plays a crucial role in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Its primary effect on alcohol consumption is to prevent the pleasurable effects associated with drinking. By blocking the opioid receptors that contribute to the reward mechanism in the brain, Naltrexone diminishes the feelings of euphoria that individuals may experience when consuming alcohol. This reduction in pleasurable effects can lead to fewer cravings and decreased overall alcohol intake. This mechanism is significant because it addresses one of the key factors in addiction: the rewarding sensations that reinforce the behavior of drinking. Through the use of Naltrexone, patients may find it easier to abstain from alcohol because the substance no longer provides the same level of gratification. As a result, individuals are less likely to engage in excessive or compulsive drinking behaviors, supporting their recovery efforts. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary action of Naltrexone. While enhancing metabolic processing of alcohol or creating aversive reactions is not part of its pharmacological action, increasing cravings is fundamentally opposed to its therapeutic purpose, which is to reduce cravings and promote abstinence.