National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Buprenorphine is used primarily for treating which condition?

1. Alcohol use disorder

2. Opiate addiction

3. Tobacco withdrawal

4. Chronic insomnia

The correct answer is: Opiate addiction

Buprenorphine is primarily used for treating opiate addiction due to its unique pharmacological properties. It is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but to a lesser extent. This characteristic makes it effective for reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to stronger opioids, such as heroin or prescription pain medications, without producing the same intense high or risk of overdose that full agonists can. In contrast, the other options involve different treatments and substances. Alcohol use disorder is typically treated with medications like disulfiram or naltrexone, which target alcohol consumption and dependency. Tobacco withdrawal is commonly managed through nicotine replacement therapies or medications such as varenicline. Chronic insomnia usually requires non-addictive sleep aids or cognitive-behavioral interventions. Thus, buprenorphine's specific action on opioid receptors makes it especially effective for addressing opiate addiction.