CDCA Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the rewarding effects of most substances of abuse?
- Serotonin
- Dopamine (Correct answer)
- GABA
- Norepinephrine
Correct answer: Dopamine
Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (reward pathway) is the primary mechanism underlying the reinforcing effects of most substances.
Question 2: A client reports drinking alcohol every evening to avoid feeling anxious and shaky. This pattern best illustrates which concept?
- Tolerance
- Negative reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Positive reinforcement
- Sensitization
Correct answer: Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement occurs when substance use is maintained by the removal of an unpleasant state (anxiety, withdrawal).
Question 3: Which stage of the Prochaska and DiClemente Transtheoretical Model involves a client actively making behavior changes for less than six months?
- Preparation
- Action (Correct answer)
- Contemplation
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Action
The Action stage is defined by active behavioral change that has been sustained for less than six months.
Question 4: What does the term 'cross-tolerance' mean in substance use disorder?
- A client tolerates one drug but not another
- Tolerance to one drug produces tolerance to other drugs in the same class (Correct answer)
- The body's inability to process two drugs simultaneously
- An allergic reaction to a substitute medication
Correct answer: Tolerance to one drug produces tolerance to other drugs in the same class
Cross-tolerance means that tolerance developed for one substance extends to other substances acting on the same receptors or systems.
Question 5: According to the DSM-5, how many criteria must be met within a 12-month period to receive a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder?
- At least 1
- At least 2 (Correct answer)
- At least 3
- At least 4
Correct answer: At least 2
DSM-5 requires at least 2 of 11 criteria within a 12-month period for a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder.
Question 6: Which physical symptom is most characteristic of opioid withdrawal?
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Muscle aches and goosebumps (Correct answer)
- Tremors and diaphoresis
Correct answer: Muscle aches and goosebumps
Opioid withdrawal classically presents with myalgia, piloerection (goosebumps), lacrimation, and rhinorrhea, though rarely life-threatening.
Question 7: A client has been abstinent from alcohol for three years and is actively involved in AA. Which stage of recovery is this client most likely in?
- Early Recovery
- Middle Recovery (Correct answer)
- Late Recovery
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Middle Recovery
Middle Recovery (typically 1–3+ years) focuses on repairing relationships, developing lifestyle balance, and integrating recovery into daily life.
CDCA Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Knowledge 2
Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the rewarding effects of most substances of abuse?