Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions 2026 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Cocaine is classified as a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant because it primarily increases the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain. It enhances alertness, attention, and energy levels, leading to feelings of euphoria and increased activity. This stimulant effect on the CNS is characteristic of substances that boost neuronal activity and induce an increased state of arousal.

In contrast, alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain function and neural activity. Marijuana has psychoactive properties, but it is generally categorized as a hallucinogen or a depressant rather than a stimulant. Heroin is an opioid, which also acts as a depressant, leading to sedation and pain relief rather than stimulation. Understanding these classifications is crucial for recognizing the different effects and risks associated with various substances.