FREE CASAC Foundations of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders Questions and Answers
What is "dual diagnosis" in the context of substance use disorders?
Dual diagnosis refers to individuals who have both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder.
What is a common psychological factor that contributes to substance use disorders?
Trauma and stress are significant psychological factors that can contribute to the onset and continuation of substance use disorders.
Which of the following substances is classified as a depressant?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down brain function and neural activity.
What is the term for the phenomenon where increased amounts of a substance are needed to achieve the desired effect?
Tolerance refers to the need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect, indicating adaptation by the body.
Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial model of addiction?
The biopsychosocial model considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and maintenance of addiction.
Which type of therapy focuses on helping clients recognize and change negative thought patterns related to substance use?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating substance use disorders by helping clients identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the rewarding effects of substances of abuse?
Dopamine plays a key role in the brain's reward system, and its release is often stimulated by substances of abuse, leading to pleasurable effects.
What is the first stage of change in the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change?
The Precontemplation stage is when the individual is not yet considering change or is unaware of the need to change.
What is the primary diagnostic manual used by professionals to diagnose substance use disorders?
The DSM-5 provides criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.
Which of the following is considered a risk factor for developing a substance use disorder?
Genetic predisposition is a well-established risk factor for developing substance use disorders.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of substance use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria?
Tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms are key indicators of substance use disorder.