CASAC Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders 5

Question 1

A client with alcohol use disorder is also prescribed warfarin for a heart condition. The counselor should be aware that alcohol:

Accepted Answer

Chronic heavy use decreases warfarin efficacy; acute intoxication increases bleeding risk

Answer

Chronic heavy alcohol use induces CYP enzymes that increase warfarin metabolism (reducing efficacy), while acute intoxication inhibits these enzymes, increasing bleeding risk.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'dual diagnosis' or 'co-occurring disorders'?

Accepted Answer

The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and at least one mental health disorder

Answer

Co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) refers to the simultaneous presence of at least one substance use disorder and at least one mental health disorder in the same individual.

Question 3

A client stabilized on methadone maintenance needs surgery requiring pain management. What is the most appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Continue methadone and add non-opioid analgesics or additional opioids as needed for acute pain

Answer

Methadone should be continued during surgery; additional analgesics — including opioids — can be used for acute pain management, as methadone alone may not provide adequate surgical analgesia.

Question 4

Which statement about cannabis use and anxiety disorders is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Short-term use may relieve anxiety, but chronic use is associated with increased anxiety and panic

Answer

While some individuals use cannabis to manage anxiety short-term, chronic use—especially high-THC products—is associated with increased anxiety, panic attacks, and worsening anxiety disorders.

Question 5

A client is prescribed clonidine during opioid detoxification. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Accepted Answer

To manage autonomic symptoms of opioid withdrawal such as sweating, anxiety, and elevated heart rate

Answer

Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces the noradrenergic hyperactivity responsible for autonomic symptoms during opioid withdrawal.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders 5