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

In the context of psychoactive substances, what does the term 'administration' refer to?

1. The method of breaking down substances in the liver

2. The method of introducing substances into the body

3. Measuring the effects of substances

4. The combination of substances for enhanced effects

The correct answer is: The method of introducing substances into the body

The term 'administration' in the context of psychoactive substances specifically refers to the method of introducing those substances into the body. This can encompass various routes and techniques, such as oral ingestion, injection, inhalation, or topical application. Understanding administration is crucial for addiction counseling, as it affects how quickly and intensely the substance's effects are felt, as well as its potential for dependency and abuse. Each administration method has unique implications for both the onset of effects and the overall impact on the user, making it an important concept in the study of addiction and substance use. The other options, while related to substances, focus on different aspects. Breaking down substances in the liver pertains to metabolism, measuring effects relates to pharmacology and how the body responds to drugs, and the combination of substances for enhanced effects deals with poly-drug use and the resulting interactions. However, these aspects do not define the term 'administration.'