Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Which condition are benzodiazepines commonly used to treat?

1. Bulimia nervosa

2. Alcohol withdrawal

3. Anxiety in children

4. Chronic insomnia

The correct answer is: Alcohol withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal due to their effectiveness in managing the symptoms associated with this condition. When individuals who have been using alcohol heavily and regularly decide to stop, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety, tremors, seizures, and agitation. Benzodiazepines work by acting on the central nervous system, specifically enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This helps to reduce the hyperactivity of the nervous system during withdrawal, providing a calming effect and decreasing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures. In contexts such as bulimia nervosa, while benzodiazepines might sometimes be prescribed for anxiety or related issues, they are not a primary treatment given the focus on more suitable forms of therapy. The treatment for chronic insomnia can involve a variety of medications, but long-term use of benzodiazepines is often discouraged due to the risk of dependence and adverse effects on sleep architecture. Similarly, while benzodiazepines can be used for anxiety in children, they are not generally the first-line treatment due to safety concerns and the availability of more appropriate therapeutic options. Thus, the use of benzodiazepines is particularly fitted for addressing the acute needs and