Sample Questions Flashcards

A client in the 'contemplation' stage of change is best described as someone who:

Answer: Is aware of the problem and seriously considering change but has not committed

Contemplation is marked by ambivalence — the person acknowledges the problem exists and is thinking about change but has not yet made a commitment to act.

Which of the following is an example of a dual diagnosis?

Answer: Major depressive disorder co-occurring with alcohol use disorder

Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders) refers to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual.

According to 42 CFR Part 2, substance use disorder treatment records have stricter confidentiality protections than standard HIPAA records because:

Answer: Federal law recognizes that fear of disclosure may deter people from seeking treatment

42 CFR Part 2 was enacted because Congress recognized that fear of stigma and legal consequences from disclosure would prevent people from entering federally assisted treatment programs.

A counselor uses 'reflective listening' during a session. Which response best demonstrates this technique?

Answer: 'It sounds like you feel trapped between wanting to quit and fear of losing your social connections.'

Reflective listening involves mirroring back the client's feelings and meaning to demonstrate empathy and deepen understanding, without advising or judging.

Which of the following best describes 'enabling' behavior in a client's family system?

Answer: Family behaviors that inadvertently protect the client from consequences of their substance use

Enabling involves family behaviors — such as covering up, making excuses, or providing money — that shield the person from experiencing natural consequences of their substance use.

A client who was sexually abused as a child and now uses opioids to cope is best understood through which framework?

Answer: Trauma-informed care framework

A trauma-informed care framework recognizes the relationship between childhood trauma and substance use as a coping mechanism and guides treatment to address both issues.

The primary goal of a biopsychosocial assessment in substance use counseling is to:

Answer: Gather comprehensive information across biological, psychological, and social domains to guide treatment planning

The biopsychosocial assessment collects comprehensive information across all relevant domains to develop an individualized, holistic treatment plan.