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

What term refers to the phenomenon where prolonged drug use reduces the drug's effect?

1. Counter-Adaption

2. Dysphagia

3. Diaphoresis

4. Dystonia

The correct answer is: Counter-Adaption

The term that refers to the phenomenon where prolonged drug use reduces the drug's effect is called counter-adaptation. This concept is important in the field of addiction counseling because it highlights how repeated exposure to a substance can lead to changes in the body and brain that diminish the drug's efficacy over time. As individuals develop tolerance, they may require larger doses to achieve the same effects, which can lead to an increased risk of dependence and other negative outcomes. Understanding counter-adaptation enables addiction counselors to recognize the physiological and psychological adaptations individuals experience with substance use. It also informs treatment approaches, as strategies may need to be employed to manage withdrawal or reduce cravings as clients work toward recovery. The other terms listed—dysphagia, diaphoresis, and dystonia—are unrelated to the effects of prolonged drug use. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, diaphoresis describes excessive sweating, and dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions. Each of these conditions may occur independently of drug use but do not describe the adaptations that occur with prolonged exposure to a substance.