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

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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!

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What is a significant drawback of MAOIs?

  1. They are ineffective in treatment

  2. They require dietary restrictions

  3. They have no side effects

  4. They are the newest class of antidepressants

The correct answer is: They require dietary restrictions

The significant drawback of MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) being dietary restrictions is correct because these medications can interact severely with certain foods and beverages that contain tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and some alcoholic drinks. When people taking MAOIs consume these items, they can experience hypertensive crises, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. This necessitates strict adherence to dietary guidelines, complicating the treatment process and making it less convenient for those prescribed these medications. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the limitations or characteristics of MAOIs. They are effective in treating certain types of depression, which eliminates the idea that they are ineffective. While MAOIs do have side effects, saying they have no side effects is misleading, as like any medication, they can produce adverse reactions. Lastly, MAOIs are not the newest class of antidepressants; they were among the first developed and are not as commonly used today compared to newer classes like SSRIs and SNRIs due to their side effect profile and dietary restrictions.