CARN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CARN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A nurse is providing education to a client who has been prescribed disulfiram. The nurse should warn the client to avoid which of the following products? → Mouthwash containing alcohol
2. Which of the following is a core principle of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) when establishing a therapeutic environment for clients with substance use disorders? → Emphasizing physical and psychological safety in all interactions and environments.
3. Which statement accurately reflects the evidence base for peer support in recovery? → Both 12-Step programs and SMART Recovery have evidence supporting effectiveness
4. Which protective factor is MOST strongly associated with sustained long-term recovery outcomes? → Strong social support networks and meaningful community connections
5. What role does goal setting play in addiction treatment planning? → To provide clear, measurable objectives that guide treatment and track progress
6. What is a major concern when using pharmacological interventions in addiction treatment? → The potential for misuse or dependence on the medication
7. The 'abstinence violation effect' (AVE) describes which phenomenon? → Guilt and self-attribution following a lapse that can precipitate full relapse
8. A patient 3 months into recovery states, 'I can go to parties where everyone is drinking — I have strong willpower now.' The nurse recognizes this as: → A cognitive distortion that significantly increases relapse risk
9. According to ASAM's definition, which statement best describes recovery from addiction? → A process of change through which individuals improve health, wellness, and self-direction
10. According to SAMHSA's four dimensions of recovery, which dimension encompasses meaningful daily activities, employment, and financial independence? → Purpose
11. What is the role of naloxone in treating opioid overdose? → To reverse opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids
12. In relapse prevention education, the acronym HALT stands for: → Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
13. What is the goal of support strategies during addiction treatment? → To help patients develop coping mechanisms and stay committed to recovery
14. What is a key indicator of opioid addiction during assessment? → Using opioids in larger amounts and experiencing withdrawal symptoms
15. Which of the following is a relapse WARNING SIGN rather than an external trigger? → Increased social isolation and withdrawal from support
16. The mesolimbic pathway, a critical circuit in the neurobiology of addiction, involves the projection of dopaminergic neurons from the: → Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) to the Nucleus Accumbens
17. A patient is being initiated on naltrexone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education? → "This medication is a partial opioid agonist that will prevent withdrawal."
18. Why is patient education important in addiction recovery? → To empower the patient with knowledge to manage their recovery
19. A patient in recovery identifies 'people, places, and things' associated with past drug use as things to avoid. This concept is best described as: → Environmental cue conditioning
20. What is the role of motivational interviewing in addiction assessment? → To motivate patients to engage in treatment and address their addiction issues
21. Why is patient involvement crucial in treatment planning? → Because it ensures the plan aligns with the patient’s needs and values
22. How does pharmacotherapy support long-term recovery from addiction? → By stabilizing the patient and reducing the risk of relapse
23. A nurse counsels a patient with alcohol use disorder who has achieved 6 months of sobriety. What is accurate about ongoing relapse risk? → Relapse risk is highest in the first year and remains elevated for several years
24. Which statement about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and recovery is most accurate? → MAT combined with counseling consistently improves long-term recovery outcomes
25. When a patient in a recovery program experiences a relapse, the nurse's PRIORITY intervention is to: → Assess safety and detox needs, then reassess and modify the treatment plan
26. What is the first step in addiction assessment? → Gathering detailed patient history and information
27. Which of the following is a key diagnostic tool in addiction assessment? → DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders
28. Which of the following is an example of Recovery Support Services (RSS)? → Recovery housing (sober living environment)
29. How do benzodiazepines affect the treatment of substance use disorders? → They help manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms but can lead to dependence if used long-term
30. What is the role of methadone in the treatment of opioid addiction? → To reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping patients stabilize