Chemical Dependency Counselor CCDC Exam Chemical Dependency Counselor Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which assessment tool is most commonly used to screen for alcohol use disorder severity in a clinical intake setting?
- CAGE questionnaire (Correct answer)
- PHQ-9
- GAD-7
- PCL-5
Correct answer: CAGE questionnaire
The CAGE questionnaire is a widely validated 4-item tool specifically designed to screen for problematic alcohol use.
Question 2: A client in early recovery reports cravings triggered by passing a bar. This is best explained by which concept?
- Operant conditioning
- Classical conditioning (Correct answer)
- Vicarious reinforcement
- Cognitive distortion
Correct answer: Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning links environmental cues (the bar) to conditioned cravings developed during active use.
Question 3: Under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, a counselor can release a client's SUD treatment records without consent when:
- A family member requests them for support purposes
- A court issues a valid order meeting Part 2 standards (Correct answer)
- Another treatment provider simply requests coordination
- Law enforcement presents a standard subpoena
Correct answer: A court issues a valid order meeting Part 2 standards
42 CFR Part 2 requires a court order that meets specific criteria before SUD records can be disclosed without patient consent.
Question 4: Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model describes a client who acknowledges a problem but is not yet committed to changing?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
In the Contemplation stage, individuals are ambivalent—aware of the problem but weighing pros and cons of change.
Question 5: Motivational Interviewing's 'rolling with resistance' technique primarily involves:
- Confronting denial directly to break through defenses
- Avoiding the topic until the client brings it up
- Reflecting the client's ambivalence without argument (Correct answer)
- Providing psychoeducation about consequences of use
Correct answer: Reflecting the client's ambivalence without argument
Rolling with resistance means not opposing the client but instead reflecting their perspective to reduce defensiveness.
Question 6: A client on methadone maintenance reports selling a portion of their dose. The counselor's first obligation is to:
- Immediately discharge the client from treatment
- Document the concern and consult with the treatment team (Correct answer)
- Notify law enforcement about the diversion
- Reduce the client's dose without discussion
Correct answer: Document the concern and consult with the treatment team
The counselor must document, consult the treatment team, and follow the program's diversion protocol before taking action.
Question 7: Which withdrawal syndrome is considered medically life-threatening and requires immediate medical evaluation?
- Opioid withdrawal
- Cannabis withdrawal
- Alcohol withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Stimulant withdrawal
Correct answer: Alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can progress to delirium tremens with seizures and is potentially fatal without medical management.
Chemical Dependency Counselor CCDC Exam Chemical Dependency Counselor Assessment 2
Which assessment tool is most commonly used to screen for alcohol use disorder severity in a clinical intake setting?