CAT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Assessment and Screening? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
2. Which of the following client behaviors best indicates readiness to engage in aftercare planning? → The client identifies specific goals they want to achieve after discharge
3. What quality metrics are most important in Substance Abuse Fundamentals? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
4. Which of the following is a PRIMARY characteristic of physical dependence? → Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation
5. What role does family involvement play in addiction treatment and recovery? → It can provide additional support and improve treatment outcome
6. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI)? → To provide a multidimensional assessment of problem severity across life domains
7. Which screening tool is commonly used to identify the severity of alcohol use disorder in an addiction treatment setting? → CAGE questionnaire
8. Which type of intervention involves family members and close associates confronting a loved one about their substance use in a structured, planned meeting? → Johnson Model intervention
9. A 17-year-old presents for substance use evaluation. Which screening tool was specifically developed and validated for adolescent populations? → CRAFFT
10. Which tool is commonly used to screen for depression in addiction treatment settings? → Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
11. Why is accurate screening for co-occurring disorders especially important in addiction treatment settings? → Untreated mental health disorders significantly increase the risk of relapse
12. A client discloses they are thinking about suicide. Which response by the addiction technician is MOST appropriate? → Take the disclosure seriously, stay with the client, and notify a supervisor immediately
13. Which level of care according to ASAM criteria is MOST appropriate for a client requiring 24-hour medically managed intensive care during withdrawal? → Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient
14. Which of the following is an example of a trauma-informed crisis response? → Approaching the client with calm, choice, and transparency to minimize retraumatization
15. Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the rewarding effects of addictive substances? → Dopamine
16. What is the most important foundational concept in Treatment Approaches? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Treatment Approaches
17. Which level of suicide risk requires the MOST immediate clinical response and possible hospitalization? → High risk with specific plan, means, and intent
18. During treatment plan development, a client refuses to include a goal around family therapy. The addiction technician should: → Respect the client's refusal, document it, and explore the reasons collaboratively
19. A client in outpatient treatment reports they lost their job and are struggling to pay for medications. The addiction technician should first: → Connect the client with financial assistance programs or a case manager
20. What quality metrics are most important in Treatment Approaches? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
21. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Ethics and Boundaries? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
22. During a clinical intervention, a client minimizes their alcohol use by saying 'I only drink on weekends.' This is best described as which defense mechanism? → Denial
23. Which of the following tools is commonly used for assessing substance use disorders? → DSM-5 Criteria
24. A client in early recovery expresses fear about attending their first community support group meeting. What is the most appropriate technician response? → Acknowledge the fear and offer to role-play what to expect at the meeting
25. A client with a substance use disorder who also has PTSD is BEST served by: → Integrated treatment that addresses both disorders simultaneously
26. Naltrexone is used in addiction treatment primarily because it: → Blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol
27. A peer support specialist differs from an addiction technician primarily because the peer support specialist: → Uses lived experience with addiction and recovery as a primary qualification
28. When developing a treatment plan with a culturally diverse client, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Incorporate the client's cultural values, beliefs, and family systems into the plan
29. Which term refers to the official record that shows who has accessed or received a client's treatment information? → Audit trail or disclosure log
30. The ASAM criteria use six dimensions for patient placement. Which dimension addresses the client's history of treatment and recovery? → Dimension 5: Relapse/Continued Use Potential