AEMCA Practice Exam

What can be a result of prolonged opioid use?

1. Enhanced cognitive abilities

2. Physical dependence and tolerance

3. Decreased pain sensitivity overall

4. Increased risk of memory loss

The correct answer is: Physical dependence and tolerance

Prolonged opioid use typically leads to physical dependence and tolerance. Physical dependence means that the body has adapted to the presence of the opioid, and if the drug is suddenly reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Tolerance refers to a situation where the individual finds that they need to take larger doses of the opioid to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoric effects due to the body's adaptation to the drug. This adjustment happens because the brain and body start to rely on the substance to function normally. In contrast, while some of the other options touch on consequences that can occur with opioid use, they don’t reflect the most common or direct outcomes of prolonged use. For instance, enhanced cognitive abilities is not a recognized effect; instead, opioids can impair cognition. Decreased pain sensitivity overall may occur for a time, but it does not speak to the overarching issues of dependence and tolerance that often characterize long-term use. Lastly, while increased risk of memory loss may be a concern tied to cognitive impairment from various substance uses, it is not a primary result associated with prolonged opioid use relative to dependence and tolerance, which are more direct and impactful effects.