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 term describes the synergistic effect of two or more psychoactive substances taken together?

  1. Inhibition

  2. Potentiation

  3. Desensitization

  4. Regulation

The correct answer is: Potentiation

The term "potentiation" refers to the phenomenon where the combined effect of two or more psychoactive substances results in an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This can occur when one substance enhances the action of another, leading to an intensified response that can be significantly more powerful or harmful than either substance taken alone. Potentiation is particularly critical to understand in addiction counseling, as clients may use multiple substances concurrently, resulting in unpredictable and often dangerous effects. This understanding helps counselors to more effectively assess risk factors and develop appropriate treatment plans for individuals struggling with substance use.