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

Which category of medication do tranquilizers commonly refer to?

1. Stimulants

2. Barbiturates

3. Analgesics

4. General anesthetics

The correct answer is: Barbiturates

Tranquilizers commonly refer to a category of medications known as barbiturates, which are central nervous system depressants. They are used to produce a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep. Barbiturates work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which leads to sedation and relaxation. In contrast, stimulants are substances that increase activity in the brain, leading to heightened alertness and energy, making them unrelated to the calming effects attributed to tranquilizers. Analgesics are medications designed to relieve pain but do not primarily serve the purpose of inducing sedative effects like tranquilizers do. General anesthetics are used to induce a temporary loss of consciousness and sensation, primarily during surgical procedures, and do not fall into the same category as tranquilizers used for anxiety and sleep disorders. Thus, the association of tranquilizers with barbiturates is clear, as both aim to reduce the activity of the nervous system.