Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What are sensitizers in pharmacotherapy?

1. Medications that enhance the effects of other drugs

2. Medications that have no side effects

3. Pharmacotherapies that cause negative reactions with certain substances

4. Medications that are ineffective in treatment

The correct answer is: Pharmacotherapies that cause negative reactions with certain substances

Sensitizers in pharmacotherapy refer to pharmacotherapies that cause negative reactions when taken in conjunction with certain substances, particularly other drugs or alcohol. This interaction can lead to adverse effects that may discourage substance use and aid in recovery. This is notably seen with specific medications that are designed to produce discomfort or illness if a person consumes alcohol while taking them, which can serve as a deterrent to drinking. For instance, disulfiram is a medication used in treating alcohol dependence that inhibits the metabolism of alcohol, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body. This accumulation results in unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and flushing, thereby creating a negative association with alcohol consumption. This mechanism not only helps reduce cravings but also reinforces the importance of abstaining from alcohol. The other options do not accurately characterize sensitizers. Medications that enhance the effects of other drugs are more aptly described as potentiators. If a medication has no side effects, it does not align with the concept of sensitizers since sensitization involves a specific adverse reaction. Lastly, medications that are ineffective in treatment do not pertain to the role of sensitizers but instead refer to a complete lack of therapeutic effect. Therefore, the correct understanding of sensitizers involves their role in causing negative reactions