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

Which barbiturate is generally regarded as having high potential for abuse?

1. Phenobarbital

2. Valium

3. Nembutal

4. Ativan

The correct answer is: Nembutal

Nembutal, a barbiturate, is often considered to have a high potential for abuse due to its rapid onset and sedative effects. It can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, making it attractive to individuals seeking those effects, which contributes to its abuse potential. Additionally, Nembutal has a lower therapeutic index compared to some other medications; this means the margin between effective and harmful doses is narrower, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction. In contrast, the other options either belong to a different class of medications, like Valium and Ativan which are benzodiazepines, or have a different pharmacological profile. Phenobarbital, while also a barbiturate, is typically used in medical settings for seizure control and is less commonly misused due to its slower onset and longer duration of action, which dulls its recreational appeal. Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific risks associated with Nembutal that are less pronounced in the other medications listed.