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Question #46551
The Question
A chronic user of diacetylmorphine abruptly discontinues its use, leading to a severe withdrawal syndrome characterized by anxiety, shakiness, tachycardia, and profuse sweating. Which of the following neuro-physiological mechanisms best explains this 'autonomic storm'?
Options
- A.
Sudden removal of exogenous inhibitory tone, unmasking a compensatory upregulation of excitatory intracellular pathways.
- B.
Massive compensatory release of endogenous endorphins and enkephalins in the central nervous system.
- C.
Acute upregulation and hyper-sensitization of mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
- D.
Direct toxic stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by the residual metabolites of the drug.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Opioids|Drug Withdrawal Syndrome|Synaptic Receptors
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'opioids are depressants' and 'withdrawal causes anxiety' but fail to connect them via homeostatic adaptation.
The trap lies in confusing the direct effects of a drug with the physiological rebound that occurs when the drug is removed.
Withdrawal is not a toxic effect of the drug itself, but the unmasking of the body's compensatory hyper-excitatory state.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Opioids/Cannabinoids/Coca Alkaloids |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |