Mixed Deck — All CAADC Topics Flashcards

What is the purpose of including both short-term objectives and long-term goals?

Answer: Short-term objectives provide measurable stepping stones toward broader long-term goals

Short-term objectives break the path to long-term goals into achievable, measurable steps.

Which medication maintains alcohol abstinence by restoring excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter balance?

Answer: Acamprosate (Campral)

Acamprosate modulates glutamate and GABA systems disrupted by chronic alcohol use.

In a Veterans Affairs (VA) addiction treatment program, a CAADC should be prepared to address which co-occurring condition at particularly high rates?

Answer: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD and substance use disorders are highly comorbid in the veteran population, making trauma-informed care essential in VA settings.

The 'dialectic' at the core of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for substance use disorders refers to the synthesis of which two seemingly opposing principles?

Answer: Acceptance and Change

The fundamental dialectic in DBT is the integration of acceptance and change. The therapist validates and accepts the client as they are in the present moment, while simultaneously helping them learn and apply skills to change their maladaptive behaviors.

A client has been taking high doses of alprazolam (Xanax) daily for over a year and wants to stop. What is the most significant risk of abrupt cessation, and what is the recommended clinical approach?

Answer: Risk of life-threatening seizures; recommend a slow, medically supervised taper.

Abrupt cessation of a benzodiazepine after long-term use can lead to a severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome that includes seizures. The standard of care is a slow, medically supervised taper, often using a long-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam, to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

How does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach substance use disorders?

Answer: ACT uses psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and values-based action to change the function of substance use rather than directly targeting thoughts

ACT changes the relationship between the person and their urges rather than trying to eliminate them.

When a group member is monopolizing sessions and preventing others from participating, the counselor's FIRST intervention should be to:

Answer: Use process commentary to address the behavior within the group

Process commentary—making an observation about what is happening in the group as it occurs—is the least restrictive and most therapeutically sound first intervention.

Which work settings is most likely to involve intensive, residential treatment for clients with severe substances use disorders?

Answer: Inpatient Facilities

Inpatient facilities are specifically designed for clients requiring intensive, structured, and residential treatment due to severe substance use disorders. These settings provide 24/7 supervision, medical support, and a highly immersive therapeutic environment. This level of care is essential for individuals who need to be removed from their usual environment to focus entirely on recovery and manage withdrawal or acute symptoms.

Which SUD screening tool was specifically designed for use with adolescents and includes peer influence questions?

Answer: CRAFFT

The CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) was developed for adolescents aged 12–21 and includes a question about peer substance use.

A client fears that taking any psychiatric medication conflicts with 'being clean.' How should the counselor respond?

Answer: Provide psychoeducation distinguishing prescribed medication from substance misuse while exploring beliefs using MI

Validate the concern while educating about the difference between prescribed medication and misuse.

In the context of MAT, QTc prolongation is a documented concern most associated with which medication?

Answer: Methadone

Methadone is associated with dose-dependent QTc prolongation and risk of torsades de pointes, requiring baseline and periodic ECG monitoring.

A counselor is using ASAM criteria to assess a patient who uses alcohol heavily but has no withdrawal history, stable housing, and strong family support. Which level is most appropriate to consider first?

Answer: Level 1.0 Outpatient Services

With no withdrawal risk, stable environment, and social support, the least intensive level (Level 1.0 Outpatient) is typically the appropriate starting point per ASAM principles.

In evidence-based practice, a 'functional analysis' of substance use behavior is designed to:

Answer: Identify the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences that maintain use

Functional analysis (ABC analysis) maps out triggers, the use behavior itself, and its reinforcing consequences to inform individualized intervention.

A counselor assumes that an Asian American client will be highly family-oriented and involve family in treatment without first exploring the client's individual preferences. This is an example of:

Answer: Cultural stereotyping that can undermine individualized care

Applying group-level cultural generalizations to individuals without assessment constitutes stereotyping, even when the assumption appears positive.

A counselor is in recovery and attends the same 12-step meetings as a former client. To maintain ethical boundaries, the counselor's most appropriate course of action is to:

Answer: Discuss and establish clear boundaries with the former client about their roles in that setting.

Dual relationships can be complex, especially in the recovery community. The most ethical approach is to address the situation directly and professionally, establishing that at the meeting, they are both peers in recovery and the therapeutic relationship is separate and has concluded.

How does ethical decision-making competency differ from knowing ethical codes?

Answer: It involves applying ethical reasoning to complex situations where codes may conflict, requiring critical thinking, consultation, and judgment

Real situations often present dilemmas where codes provide insufficient or conflicting guidance.

How should a counselor address potential minimization or denial during assessment?

Answer: Use multiple methods (self-report, collateral, biological testing, observation) and MI techniques to create a safe environment

Multi-method assessment with a non-judgmental approach provides the most accurate picture.

What is 'postvention' following a client suicide in an addiction treatment setting?

Answer: The organized response to support survivors, prevent contagion, process grief, and maintain community stability

Postvention supports the treatment community after suicide and reduces contagion risk.

When interpreting a client's DAST-10 score of 6, the appropriate clinical response is:

Answer: Referral for further assessment and treatment

A DAST-10 score of 6–8 indicates substantial drug use problems, warranting referral for further assessment and treatment intervention.

A client with bipolar disorder and cocaine use is in a manic episode with increased cocaine use. What is the clinical priority?

Answer: Ensure immediate safety, coordinate with psychiatric providers, and develop an integrated crisis plan

During a co-occurring crisis, safety is paramount and psychiatric coordination is essential.