Free DSST Substance Abuse Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the DSST Substance Abuse practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1In substance use terminology, what does drug tolerance mean?

   1. A.A strong urge to take a substance
   2. B.Needing more of a substance for the same effectCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Symptoms after reducing substance use
   4. D.Using a substance despite physical danger

   Explanation: MedlinePlus defines tolerance as "Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effect." Craving, withdrawal and risky use are different concepts.

   Reference: Substance use disorder — Symptoms

2. 2Which characteristic identifies a Schedule I substance under the DEA's description?

   1. A.Accepted medical use and low abuse potential
   2. B.No currently accepted medical use and high abuse potentialCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Accepted medical use and lower abuse potential than Schedule IV
   4. D.Accepted medical use and moderate abuse potential

   Explanation: The DEA describes Schedule I as substances "with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." The other choices change the medical-use or abuse-potential conditions.

   Reference: Drug Scheduling — Schedule I

3. 3Approximately how much pure alcohol is in one US standard drink?

   1. A.7 grams
   2. B.14 gramsCorrect answer: B
   3. C.28 grams
   4. D.42 grams

   Explanation: NIAAA states, "one standard drink contains about 14 grams, or about 0.6 fluid ounces, of pure alcohol." Beverage volume and alcohol concentration both matter when determining this amount.

   Reference: What Is A Standard Drink? — What Is A Standard Drink?

4. 4Diazepam belongs to which class of sedative and anti-anxiety medications?

   1. A.BenzodiazepinesCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Barbiturates
   3. C.Amphetamines
   4. D.Opioids

   Explanation: MedlinePlus states, "Diazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines." It is not classified as a barbiturate, amphetamine, or opioid.

   Reference: Diazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information — Why is this medication prescribed?

5. 5Which substance occurs naturally in tobacco plants and contributes to tobacco dependence?

   1. A.NicotineCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Caffeine
   3. C.Ethanol
   4. D.Morphine

   Explanation: CDC states, "Nicotine is a naturally occurring toxic chemical found in tobacco plants." Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in tobacco products.

   Reference: Nicotine: Systemic Agent — Agent Characteristics: Description

6. 6Which naturally occurring stimulant is found in coffee beans?

   1. A.CaffeineCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Diazepam
   3. C.Morphine
   4. D.Ethanol

   Explanation: MedlinePlus states that "Caffeine is a bitter substance that occurs naturally in more than 60 plants" and includes coffee beans among them.

   Reference: Caffeine — What is caffeine?

7. 7Which cannabinoid is the main psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant?

   1. A.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)Correct answer: A
   2. B.Cannabidiol (CBD)
   3. C.Cannabinol (CBN)
   4. D.Cannabigerol (CBG)

   Explanation: NCI states, "Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid" in the plant. CBD does not produce cannabis's characteristic altered consciousness.

   Reference: Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®) — General Information

8. 8Which of the following substances belongs to the hallucinogen drug class?

   1. A.LSDCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Diazepam
   3. C.Methadone
   4. D.Nicotine

   Explanation: DEA identifies "Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)" as "a potent hallucinogen." Diazepam, methadone and nicotine belong to other drug categories.

   Reference: LSD — What is LSD?

9. 9What is another name for first-generation antipsychotic medications?

   1. A.Typical antipsychoticsCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Atypical antipsychotics
   3. C.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
   4. D.Benzodiazepine hypnotics

   Explanation: NIMH says, "Older, first-generation antipsychotic medications are sometimes called typical antipsychotics (or neuroleptics)." Second-generation drugs are often called atypical.

   Reference: Mental Health Medications — What are antipsychotics?

10. 10Sertraline is an antidepressant in which drug class?

    1. A.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Benzodiazepines
    3. C.Opioid antagonists
    4. D.Anabolic steroids

    Explanation: MedlinePlus states, "Sertraline is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)." The other choices are different classes.

    Reference: Sertraline: MedlinePlus Drug Information — Why is this medication prescribed?