National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Practice Exam

In the context of long-term use, it is understood that barbiturates tend to lose their effectiveness over time. This phenomenon occurs due to the body's ability to develop tolerance to the sedative effects of these drugs, which means that over time, a person may require higher doses to achieve the same level of sedation or sleep production. This can lead to a range of issues, including an increased risk of dependence and potential overdose, as the dose becomes progressively higher.

On the other hand, while benzodiazepines can also lead to tolerance, they are generally regarded as being more effective in maintaining their sedative effects during prolonged use compared to barbiturates. This makes benzodiazepines a preferred option for the treatment of sleep disorders, as they are less associated with the same level of dose escalation that is commonly seen with barbiturates.

Understanding the pharmacological differences and the effects of prolonged use helps to clarify why the correct answer focuses on the loss of effectiveness associated with long-term use of barbiturates.