Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Screening and Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The CRAFFT screening tool is most appropriate for use with which population?
- Adults over age 65 with polypharmacy concerns
- Adolescents to screen for alcohol and drug-related risk (Correct answer)
- Pregnant women in prenatal care settings
- Veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use
Correct answer: Adolescents to screen for alcohol and drug-related risk
CRAFFT is a validated six-item behavioral health screen designed specifically for adolescents to identify substance use risk.
Question 2: A client is assessed using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN). This tool is best described as:
- A rapid 4-question screener for alcohol use
- A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment measuring multiple domains of functioning (Correct answer)
- A urine drug screen protocol for determining recent substance exposure
- A clinician-rated scale for measuring treatment motivation
Correct answer: A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment measuring multiple domains of functioning
The GAIN is a comprehensive, standardized assessment covering substance use, mental health, physical health, risk behaviors, environment, and service utilization.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a collateral source of information during a substance use assessment?
- Client's self-report on the AUDIT questionnaire
- Urine toxicology screen results
- Interview with the client's spouse with appropriate consent (Correct answer)
- Client's score on the Beck Depression Inventory
Correct answer: Interview with the client's spouse with appropriate consent
Collateral sources are third parties — such as family members, employers, or prior treatment records — who can provide additional information beyond self-report.
Question 4: When assessing a client's readiness to change substance use, a counselor using the Transtheoretical Model would identify a client who says 'I know I have a problem but I'm not ready to do anything about it' as being in which stage?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
Contemplation involves acknowledging a problem exists but ambivalence about changing — not yet committed to action.
Question 5: The primary distinction between a screening and a comprehensive assessment in chemical dependency counseling is that screening:
- Takes more time and gathers deeper clinical information
- Identifies the presence or likelihood of a problem to determine if further evaluation is needed (Correct answer)
- Establishes a formal DSM-5 diagnosis
- Includes medical examination and laboratory testing
Correct answer: Identifies the presence or likelihood of a problem to determine if further evaluation is needed
Screening is a brief first-pass process to identify risk or probable problems, while comprehensive assessment provides detailed diagnostic and treatment-planning information.
Question 6: Which factor would MOST likely indicate a higher level of care is needed during a placement decision following assessment?
- Client has stable housing and supportive family
- Client has completed outpatient treatment successfully in the past
- Client has a history of multiple detoxification episodes and severe withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Client reports occasional weekend alcohol use without physical dependence
Correct answer: Client has a history of multiple detoxification episodes and severe withdrawal
Multiple prior detox episodes, severe withdrawal history, and high medical risk are indicators for a higher level of care such as residential or medically managed detoxification.
Question 7: The ASAM Patient Placement Criteria evaluates clients across six dimensions. Which dimension specifically addresses the client's potential for treatment compliance and resistance?
- Dimension 1: Acute Intoxication and/or Withdrawal Potential
- Dimension 3: Emotional, Behavioral, or Cognitive Conditions
- Dimension 4: Readiness to Change (Correct answer)
- Dimension 6: Recovery/Living Environment
Correct answer: Dimension 4: Readiness to Change
ASAM Dimension 4 (Readiness to Change) assesses the client's stage of change and willingness to engage in treatment.
