Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Sample Questions 3 โ Questions and Answers
Question 1: A counselor working with a Native American client should prioritize which of the following approaches?
- Using only evidence-based Western treatment protocols
- Incorporating culturally specific healing practices and community support (Correct answer)
- Referring the client exclusively to Native American counselors
- Avoiding discussion of cultural identity to focus on the addiction
Correct answer: Incorporating culturally specific healing practices and community support
Culturally competent care for Native American clients includes recognizing and integrating traditional healing practices, spirituality, and community-based support systems.
Question 2: Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the rewarding effects of most addictive substances?
- Serotonin
- GABA
- Dopamine (Correct answer)
- Norepinephrine
Correct answer: Dopamine
Dopamine release in the mesolimbic reward pathway is the primary neurochemical mechanism underlying the reinforcing effects of addictive substances.
Question 3: A client discloses they plan to harm a specific coworker when they leave the session. The counselor's FIRST obligation is to:
- Maintain confidentiality and document the threat in the client's record
- Warn the intended victim and notify appropriate authorities (Tarasoff duty) (Correct answer)
- Contact the client's family to inform them of the threat
- Hospitalize the client immediately without any other action
Correct answer: Warn the intended victim and notify appropriate authorities (Tarasoff duty)
The Tarasoff ruling established the duty to protect identifiable third parties from serious threats of harm by warning the victim and notifying law enforcement.
Question 4: In group counseling for substance use disorders, 'universality' refers to:
- Using universal screening tools across all populations
- The therapeutic benefit of recognizing that one's struggles are shared by others (Correct answer)
- Applying the same treatment protocol to every group member
- The universal applicability of the 12-step model
Correct answer: The therapeutic benefit of recognizing that one's struggles are shared by others
Universality, identified by Yalom as a curative factor in group therapy, is the experience of discovering that other members share similar problems, reducing isolation.
Question 5: Which medication is used as an opioid antagonist to help prevent relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids?
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone (Correct answer)
- Disulfiram
Correct answer: Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing euphoric effects and thereby reducing the reinforcement of use.
Question 6: A counselor who develops romantic feelings toward a client should:
- Transfer the client to another counselor and then pursue the relationship
- Immediately disclose the feelings to the client to maintain honesty
- Seek clinical supervision and, if necessary, transfer the client (Correct answer)
- Document the feelings and continue treatment with heightened awareness
Correct answer: Seek clinical supervision and, if necessary, transfer the client
Countertransference requires clinical supervision to address; if feelings cannot be managed ethically, transfer to another qualified counselor is the appropriate action.
Question 7: The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool for which substance use disorder?
- Opioid use disorder
- Alcohol use disorder (Correct answer)
- Cannabis use disorder
- Stimulant use disorder
Correct answer: Alcohol use disorder
The CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) questionnaire is a validated four-question screening tool specifically designed to identify problematic alcohol use.