Alcohol and Drug Counselor Crisis Intervention Strategies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client calls a 24-hour crisis line stating, "I can't take it anymore, I have a bottle of pills and I'm ready to end it all." Which of the following is the counselor's MOST critical initial action?

Accepted Answer

Assess for immediate risk by asking about the specific plan, means, and intent.

Answer

Explore the underlying reasons for the client's feelings of hopelessness.

Answer

Develop a long-term treatment plan to address the client's depression.

Answer

Schedule an in-person appointment for the following day.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of crisis intervention for a client with a substance use disorder?

Accepted Answer

To restore the client to their pre-crisis level of functioning and ensure immediate safety.

Answer

To achieve long-term abstinence through intensive psychotherapy.

Answer

To resolve all underlying trauma that contributes to the substance use.

Answer

To have the client sign a contract promising not to use substances again.

Question 3

A client arrives at an outpatient clinic exhibiting extreme paranoia, agitation, and disorganized speech. The counselor suspects a stimulant-induced psychotic episode. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety of the client and others by providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment and seeking medical evaluation.

Answer

Immediately begin a cognitive-behavioral therapy session to challenge delusional thoughts.

Answer

Have the client wait in the main waiting room until they calm down.

Answer

Attempt to restrain the client to prevent them from leaving.

Question 4

Which of the following is a critical component of a collaborative suicide safety plan?

Accepted Answer

Identifying client-specific warning signs and internal coping strategies.

Answer

A written promise from the client that they will not attempt suicide.

Answer

A list of the client's past mistakes and regrets to serve as a deterrent.

Answer

A detailed psychoanalysis of the origins of the client's depression.

Question 5

A client who is in crisis due to a recent relapse on heroin reveals a specific plan to physically harm the person who sold them the drugs. According to the 'duty to protect' principle established by the Tarasoff ruling, the counselor's primary legal obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Take reasonable steps to protect the potential victim, which may include warning them and/or notifying law enforcement.

Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality as the client is in a vulnerable state.

Answer

Work with the client to understand the anger behind the homicidal ideation.

Answer

Immediately discharge the client from the program for making threats.

Question 6

According to Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, after the counselor has established rapport and identified the major precipitating problems, what is the next logical step?

Accepted Answer

Encourage an exploration of the client's feelings and emotions.

Answer

Generate and explore alternatives and new coping strategies.

Answer

Develop and implement a concrete action plan.

Answer

Plan and conduct a lethality assessment.