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

Which of the following is NOT a distinction between benzodiazepines and barbiturates?

1. Benzodiazepines have a faster onset of effects

2. Benzodiazepines have a longer duration of action

3. Benzodiazepines are less likely to be abused

4. Benzodiazepines are more toxic

The correct answer is: Benzodiazepines are more toxic

The correct response highlights a crucial distinction in the safety profiles of benzodiazepines compared to barbiturates. In general, benzodiazepines are considered to have a lower potential for toxicity than barbiturates. This is significant because barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. In contrast, benzodiazepines are typically safer and have less risk of causing fatal overdose when used appropriately. When assessing the characteristics of benzodiazepines, it is recognized that they generally act for a shorter duration and do not exhibit the same level of abuse potential or withdrawal severity associated with barbiturates. While both drug classes can be habit-forming, benzodiazepines have a somewhat better safety profile in terms of withdrawal and overdose risk. Understanding these distinctions is essential for making informed clinical decisions regarding the management of anxiety and other conditions, as well as for assessing the risks associated with prescribing these medications.