Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What neurotransmitter do benzodiazepines primarily act on?

1. Dopamine

2. Serotonin

3. GABA

4. Norepinephrine

The correct answer is: GABA

Benzodiazepines primarily act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. By binding to specific sites on the GABAA receptor, benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, leading to increased inhibitory neurotransmission. This results in various effects, including sedation, anxiolysis (reduction of anxiety), muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant properties. Understanding the role of GABA is crucial in the context of addiction counseling, as benzodiazepines can be involved in treatment for anxiety and sleep disorders. Moreover, their effectiveness and potential for dependence highlight the importance of awareness regarding their pharmacological action for addiction professionals. The other neurotransmitters mentioned—dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine—play different roles in mood regulation, reward mechanisms, and stress responses, but they are not the primary targets of benzodiazepines. Thus, it is the modulation of GABAergic activity that distinguishes benzodiazepines in their therapeutic and addictive potential.