Social Work Exam Human Behavior Practice Test 2026 – Complete Prep

The correct choice highlights nicotine as a substance demonstrated to have highly addictive properties, particularly in recent animal research studies. These studies indicate that nicotine may lead to dependency more rapidly than other substances due to its ability to trigger various neurobiological mechanisms that reinforce the desire for continued use.

Nicotine's interaction with the brain's reward system is significant; it activates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This mechanism creates a powerful urge to seek out nicotine again, which can lead to chronic use and addiction. Research in this area shows that animals will self-administer nicotine, indicating its potent reinforcing effects.

Understanding the nuances of addiction across different substances, such as opioids, stimulants, and alcohol, is crucial, but current data suggest that the rapid development of addiction with nicotine use is particularly notable. This perspective is foundational in studying human behavior and substance use in the context of social work and public health interventions.