D403 HLTH 3330 Understanding Substance Abuse & Addiction FA READINESS EXAM Q & S 2025/2026

1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the
reward system affected by addictive substances?
 - a) Serotonin
 - b) GABA
 - c) Dopamine
 - d) Acetylcholine
 Answer: c) Dopamine
 Rationale: Dopamine is the key neurotransmitter
involved in the brain's reward system and is heavily
implicated in the mechanisms of substance abuse.
2. Which pathway is most commonly affected by drugs of
abuse, leading to addiction?
 - a) Corticostriatal circuit
 - b) Mesolimbic pathway
 - c) Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
 - d) Prefrontal cortex
 Answer: b) Mesolimbic pathway
 Rationale: The mesolimbic pathway, often referred to
as the brain's reward circuit, is crucially involved in the
sensations of pleasure and reinforcement experienced
through drug use.
3. Which of the following substances is considered a central
nervous system depressant?
 - a) Cocaine
 - b) Heroin
 - c) Nicotine
 - d) Alcohol
 Answer: d) Alcohol
 Rationale: Alcohol is classified as a depressant
because it slows down brain function and neural activity.