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

What is the ability of similar psychoactive substances to substitute for one another called?

1. Metabolism

2. Cross tolerance

3. Half life

4. Neuroplasticity

The correct answer is: Cross tolerance

The ability of similar psychoactive substances to substitute for one another is known as cross-tolerance. This phenomenon occurs when the body becomes tolerant to one substance and, as a result, also exhibits tolerance to another substance that produces similar effects. For instance, if an individual has developed tolerance to alcohol, they may also find that they need higher doses of a drug like benzodiazepines—which have a similar mechanism of action—to achieve the desired effects. Understanding cross-tolerance is crucial in addiction counseling as it can influence treatment approaches. It helps counselors recognize the risks associated with using different substances, particularly in clients who may be switching from one drug to another in an attempt to manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of thorough assessments of a client's substance use history. The other options represent different concepts unrelated to the substitution of psychoactive substances. Metabolism refers to the body's biochemical process of converting substances, half-life is the time it takes for half of a drug to be eliminated from the body, and neuroplasticity pertains to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.