CASAC Crisis Intervention Strategies 2

Question 1

When assessing suicide risk in a substance abuse client, which mnemonic helps evaluate the key warning signs?

Accepted Answer

IS PATH WARM (Ideation, Substance abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood changes)

Answer

CAGE

Answer

SOAP

Answer

AUDIT

Question 2

A client in substance abuse treatment discloses that they have been stockpiling their prescribed medications with the intent to overdose. What is the counselor's most appropriate immediate response?

Accepted Answer

Conduct an immediate safety assessment, develop a safety plan, and arrange for lethal means restriction by coordinating removal of the stockpiled medications

Answer

Document the disclosure and discuss it at the next team meeting

Answer

Advise the client to flush the medications on their own

Answer

Increase the frequency of counseling sessions from weekly to biweekly

Question 3

During a group therapy session, a client becomes highly agitated and begins yelling at other group members after being confronted about their recent relapse. Using crisis de-escalation principles, what should the counselor do first?

Accepted Answer

Remain calm, lower their voice, acknowledge the client's distress, and invite them to step outside for a private conversation

Answer

Ask the other group members to confront the client more firmly

Answer

Immediately terminate the group session and send everyone home

Answer

Call security to remove the client from the group

Question 4

A substance abuse counselor receives a call from a client who is intoxicated and expressing hopelessness. The client lives alone and has a history of previous suicide attempts. According to crisis intervention protocols, what level of risk does this scenario represent?

Accepted Answer

High/imminent risk — current intoxication combined with hopelessness, isolation, and history of attempts creates a dangerous combination

Answer

Low risk — the client called for help, which is a protective factor

Answer

Moderate risk — requires a follow-up appointment within the week

Answer

No risk — intoxicated clients do not typically follow through on suicidal statements

Question 5

In the context of crisis intervention with a substance abuse client experiencing domestic violence, what ethical principle creates a tension between maintaining confidentiality and ensuring safety?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy versus duty to protect

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a 'safety plan' in crisis intervention for substance abuse clients with suicidal ideation?

Accepted Answer

To create a personalized, hierarchical set of coping strategies and resources the client can use during a crisis to reduce the likelihood of acting on suicidal urges

Answer

To provide a legally binding contract that prevents the client from attempting suicide

Answer

To replace the need for hospitalization in all cases

Answer

To document the counselor's legal liability protection