AAMC FL Practice Exam

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Study for the AAMC FL Exam. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Gear up for your medical school entrance exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which substance is commonly recognized as a stimulant?

Alcohol
Nicotine
Opiates
Barbiturates

The correct answer is: Nicotine

Nicotine is widely recognized as a stimulant because it activates the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy levels. It works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which enhances mood and focus. This is in stark contrast to substances such as alcohol, which is a depressant that slows down brain function and impairs cognitive processes. Opiates, on the other hand, are primarily analgesics and sedatives, providing pain relief while also inducing relaxation and drowsiness. Barbiturates are also classified as depressants, used to induce sleep and calm the nervous system. Thus, among the substances listed, nicotine's primary effects align with those of stimulants, making it the correct answer.