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

IS PATH WARM is a mnemonic developed by the American Association of Suicidology to remember the key warning signs for suicide risk assessment.

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

Immediate safety assessment, safety planning, and lethal means restriction are the priority interventions when a client reveals access to means for a planned suicide attempt.

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

Crisis de-escalation begins with the counselor maintaining calm, using a low and steady voice, validating the client's emotions, and reducing the audience by moving to a private setting.

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

This scenario represents high/imminent risk due to the convergence of multiple acute risk factors: active intoxication, hopelessness, social isolation, and history of prior attempts.

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

The tension between respecting client autonomy (including confidentiality) and the duty to protect (preventing serious harm) is the central ethical dilemma in domestic violence situations.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC Crisis Intervention Strategies 2