CASAC Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders 2

Question 1

Which medication is an opioid antagonist used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder and requires complete detoxification before initiation?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, and patients must be fully detoxified before starting it to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Question 2

A client with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder asks their counselor whether their depression will improve if they stop drinking. What is the most clinically accurate response?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol can cause depressive symptoms that may improve with abstinence, but an independent depressive disorder may require separate treatment — a period of abstinence helps clarify the diagnosis

Answer

Substance-induced depressive symptoms often improve with abstinence, but independent depressive disorder requires separate treatment. A period of sobriety (typically 2-4 weeks) helps differentiate between the two.

Question 3

Which of the following substances acts primarily on the dopamine system by blocking reuptake, producing intense but short-lived euphoria and carrying a high risk of cardiovascular complications?

Accepted Answer

Cocaine

Answer

Cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine (and also serotonin and norepinephrine), producing intense euphoria and significant cardiovascular risks including heart attack and stroke.

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism of action of disulfiram (Antabuse) in the treatment of alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed

Answer

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, which produces highly unpleasant symptoms including nausea, flushing, and tachycardia.

Question 5

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia and methamphetamine use disorder reports hearing voices that command them to use drugs. This presentation is best understood as:

Accepted Answer

An example of how co-occurring psychotic symptoms can directly undermine substance abuse recovery and require integrated psychiatric and addiction treatment

Answer

Command auditory hallucinations directing substance use demonstrate the complex interaction between psychiatric symptoms and addiction, requiring integrated treatment of both conditions.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders 2