FREE CAADC Co-occurring Disorders Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client presents with paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and disorganized speech that began two weeks after starting to use high-potency synthetic cannabinoids. The symptoms resolve within a week of abstinence. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder

Answer

The key diagnostic feature here is the temporal relationship between substance use and the onset of psychotic symptoms, as well as the resolution of symptoms with abstinence. This pattern is characteristic of a Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder, rather than a primary psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, where symptoms would persist.

Question 2

What is the core principle of an integrated treatment model for co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both disorders are treated at the same time, by the same team, in the same location.

Answer

Integrated treatment is founded on the principle that both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder should be treated concurrently by the same clinical team in the same setting. This approach avoids the fragmentation of care common in sequential or parallel models and leads to better outcomes.

Question 3

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based practice specifically designed to treat which co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Answer

Seeking Safety is a present-focused therapy model developed by Lisa Najavits to concurrently address trauma/PTSD and substance use disorder. It focuses on developing coping skills and increasing safety without requiring clients to delve into the trauma narrative, which can be destabilizing.

Question 4

A client with a known diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder and severe Cocaine Use Disorder is struggling with treatment adherence. What is a critical component of their treatment plan to improve stability and reduce relapse risk?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing adherence to mood-stabilizing medication to manage mood episodes.

Answer

For individuals with Bipolar Disorder, mood stabilization is paramount. The impulsivity and mood dysregulation associated with manic or depressive episodes significantly increase the risk of substance use relapse. Therefore, adherence to mood-stabilizing medication is a foundational element for achieving stability in both disorders.

Question 5

When assessing a new client, a counselor uses the CAGE-AID questionnaire. What is the primary purpose of this specific screening tool?

Accepted Answer

To screen for both alcohol and drug problems.

Answer

The standard CAGE questionnaire screens for alcohol problems. The 'AID' (Adapted to Include Drugs) modification broadens the tool to screen for both alcohol and other drug problems, making it a useful initial screen for general substance use disorders in various settings.

CAADC - Certified Advanced Addiction & Drug Counselor Practice Test

CAADC - Certified Advanced Addiction & Drug Counselor Practice Test

FREE CAADC Co-occurring Disorders Questions and Answers