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

What might be an effect of alcohol at low consumption levels?

1. Increased alertness

2. Improved cognitive function

3. Reduced coordination

4. Enhanced physical performance

The correct answer is: Reduced coordination

At low levels of consumption, alcohol primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to various changes in physical and mental functions. Reduced coordination is a well-documented effect of even small amounts of alcohol. This can manifest as a decrease in motor skills, balance, and reaction time, which are critical for tasks like driving or operating machinery. While some may experience a feeling of increased relaxation or stress relief at low levels, the impairment in coordination occurs as the alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to slower processes and affecting muscle control. Therefore, despite the potential for other subjective experiences, the direct impact of alcohol on physical coordination is a key effect that outweighs the others listed in the context of low consumption levels. In contrast, increased alertness and improved cognitive function are generally associated with stimulant effects and can be misleading when considering alcohol, which is a depressant. Enhanced physical performance is also unlikely, as alcohol typically compromises physical capabilities rather than enhances them.