Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Practice Exam

Cocaine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant due to its effects on the brain and body. It increases the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, by preventing its reuptake in the synapses. This leads to heightened alertness, increased energy, and enhanced mood for users, which are characteristic symptoms of stimulant use.

In contrast, marijuana is primarily considered a psychoactive substance but is more often classified as a depressant with hallucinogenic properties, affecting perception and mood rather than stimulating the central nervous system. Heroin is an opioid that serves as a potent depressant, slowing down bodily functions and leading to sedation rather than stimulation. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant as well, impairing cognitive and motor functions rather than heightening them. Therefore, cocaine is distinct from these substances, which do not share the same stimulating properties.