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

What effect does alcohol have on breathing at low levels?

1. Increased respiration

2. Decreased breathing

3. No effect on breathing

4. Shortness of breath

The correct answer is: Decreased breathing

Alcohol has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, which can lead to decreased respiratory drive even at low levels of consumption. This means that when an individual consumes alcohol, their body's natural urge to breathe can be diminished, resulting in slower and shallower breathing. This decreased breathing can pose risks, particularly if alcohol consumption increases or if the individual has other health concerns. While some might think that alcohol could lead to increased respiration due to its social stimulant effects in certain contexts, the overall physiological impact is a reduction in the body’s natural respiratory function. In addition, while alcohol typically does not cause shortness of breath directly at low levels, it can exacerbate conditions in vulnerable individuals, but that would not be the immediate effect attributed to low levels of alcohol consumption. Thus, the correct understanding here is that alcohol tends to decrease breathing function.