MAC Master Addiction Counselor Exam MCQ 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria dimension that addresses 'Readiness to Change'?
- Dimension 1: Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal Potential
- Dimension 4: Readiness to Change (Correct answer)
- Dimension 5: Relapse, Continued Use, or Continued Problem Potential
- Dimension 6: Recovery/Living Environment
Correct answer: Dimension 4: Readiness to Change
ASAM Dimension 4 specifically assesses a patient's stage of readiness and motivation to change substance use behaviors.
Question 2: Naltrexone is used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder because it:
- Produces an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed
- Blocks opioid receptors, reducing alcohol's rewarding effects (Correct answer)
- Substitutes for alcohol to prevent withdrawal
- Increases serotonin levels to reduce cravings
Correct answer: Blocks opioid receptors, reducing alcohol's rewarding effects
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol by preventing endorphin release in the reward pathway.
Question 3: In Prochaska and DiClemente's Transtheoretical Model, a client who is actively modifying behavior but has not yet sustained change for six months is in the:
- Preparation stage
- Action stage (Correct answer)
- Maintenance stage
- Contemplation stage
Correct answer: Action stage
The Action stage involves active behavioral change that has not yet been maintained for six months.
Question 4: A co-occurring disorder treatment model that integrates mental health and substance use services at the same location is called:
- Sequential treatment
- Parallel treatment
- Integrated dual diagnosis treatment (Correct answer)
- Stepped-care treatment
Correct answer: Integrated dual diagnosis treatment
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment provides simultaneous, coordinated care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders within the same setting.
Question 5: Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of opioid withdrawal that distinguishes it from other substance withdrawals?
- Seizures and delirium tremens
- Grand mal convulsions
- Piloerection and lacrimation (Correct answer)
- Hallucinations and paranoia
Correct answer: Piloerection and lacrimation
Opioid withdrawal is characterized by piloerection (goosebumps), lacrimation, rhinorrhea, myalgia, and GI distress—not seizures.
Question 6: According to the DSM-5, substance use disorder is diagnosed on a continuum of severity based on:
- Duration of use in years
- Type of substance used
- Number of diagnostic criteria met (Correct answer)
- Results of urine toxicology screening
Correct answer: Number of diagnostic criteria met
DSM-5 classifies substance use disorder as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5 criteria), or severe (6+ criteria) based on the number of criteria met.
Question 7: The primary ethical obligation when a client discloses imminent intent to harm an identifiable third party is:
- Maintain confidentiality to preserve the therapeutic alliance
- Notify the client's family immediately
- Warn the potential victim and notify authorities (duty to warn) (Correct answer)
- Document the threat and address it in the next session
Correct answer: Warn the potential victim and notify authorities (duty to warn)
The Tarasoff duty to warn requires counselors to take reasonable steps to protect an identifiable potential victim, including warning them and notifying law enforcement.
MAC Master Addiction Counselor Exam MCQ 3
Which of the following best describes the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria dimension that addresses 'Readiness to Change'?