Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

Which two categories are the main types of psychotropic drugs?

1. Antidepressants and stimulants

2. Antipsychotics and tranquilizers

3. Antidepressants and antipsychotics

4. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers

The correct answer is: Antidepressants and antipsychotics

The correct choice highlights two significant categories of psychotropic drugs: antidepressants and antipsychotics. Antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, by modifying neurotransmitter levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and emotional state. Antipsychotics, on the other hand, are medications designed to manage psychosis, notably in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They work by altering the effects of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which can help alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Understanding these two categories is crucial for addiction counselors, as individuals with substance use disorders often experience co-occurring mental health conditions that necessitate appropriate medication management. Familiarity with how these drugs function not only aids in treatment planning but also informs counselors about potential interactions between psychotropic medications and substances being abused. Other categories, such as stimulants and tranquilizers, or mood stabilizers, while important in their own right, do not encompass the breadth of psychotropic agents used in addressing the complex interplay between mental health and addiction as effectively as antidepressants and antipsychotics do. Therefore, recognizing the role of these two categories is fundamental for helping clients achieve better mental well-being alongside their recovery from substance use.