Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam General Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client in recovery from stimulant addiction reports 'crashing' with extreme fatigue and depression after stopping use. This is BEST explained by:
- Serotonin syndrome
- Dopamine depletion following chronic stimulant exposure (Correct answer)
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- Acute opioid toxicity
Correct answer: Dopamine depletion following chronic stimulant exposure
Chronic stimulant use depletes dopamine stores; when use stops, the resulting dopamine deficit causes fatigue, anhedonia, and depression known as a stimulant crash.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a 'process addiction' (behavioral addiction)?
- Alcohol use disorder
- Gambling disorder (Correct answer)
- Benzodiazepine dependence
- Cannabis use disorder
Correct answer: Gambling disorder
Gambling disorder is recognized in the DSM-5 as a behavioral/process addiction that activates the brain's reward system similarly to substances.
Question 3: Which ethical principle requires a counselor to keep client information confidential?
- Beneficence
- Fidelity (Correct answer)
- Autonomy
- Nonmaleficence
Correct answer: Fidelity
Fidelity refers to being faithful and trustworthy in professional relationships, which includes honoring confidentiality agreements with clients.
Question 4: A relapse prevention plan should include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Identifying personal high-risk situations
- A list of coping strategies for cravings
- A commitment to never attending support groups (Correct answer)
- Emergency contact numbers and crisis resources
Correct answer: A commitment to never attending support groups
Support group participation is a recommended protective factor in relapse prevention; a plan should encourage, not exclude, such resources.
Question 5: The biopsychosocial model of addiction suggests that substance use disorders result from:
- Moral weakness and lack of willpower alone
- An interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors (Correct answer)
- Solely genetic predisposition without environmental influence
- A brain disease unaffected by social or psychological factors
Correct answer: An interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors
The biopsychosocial model recognizes that addiction is a complex condition influenced by genetics, mental health, trauma, environment, and social factors.
Question 6: Under 42 CFR Part 2, which of the following is a required element for a valid consent form to release substance use disorder treatment records?
- The counselor's supervisor's signature
- The specific name or general designation of the program to which disclosure is made (Correct answer)
- A statement that the client waives all future confidentiality rights
- Notarization by a public notary
Correct answer: The specific name or general designation of the program to which disclosure is made
42 CFR Part 2 requires that consent forms specifically identify the receiving party, the purpose of disclosure, how much information may be released, and an expiration date.
Question 7: Which of the following statements accurately describes 'harm reduction' as a public health strategy?
- It requires complete abstinence as a precondition for services
- It aims to reduce the negative consequences of substance use without requiring abstinence (Correct answer)
- It is not considered evidence-based and is discouraged by national health agencies
- It applies only to intravenous drug users
Correct answer: It aims to reduce the negative consequences of substance use without requiring abstinence
Harm reduction meets people where they are, reducing drug-related harms such as overdose and disease without mandating abstinence as a precondition.