MAC Trivia 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which treatment approach for opioid use disorder uses a partial agonist that reduces cravings while having a ceiling effect that limits overdose risk?
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine (Correct answer)
- Naloxone
Correct answer: Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with a ceiling on its respiratory depression effect, making it safer than full agonists while still effectively reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Question 2: The term 'codependency' in addiction contexts most accurately refers to:
- Two people who are both addicted to the same substance
- A relationship pattern where one person enables another's addiction while neglecting their own needs (Correct answer)
- Dependence on multiple substances simultaneously
- A healthy interdependent relationship between two recovering individuals
Correct answer: A relationship pattern where one person enables another's addiction while neglecting their own needs
Codependency describes a dysfunctional relationship pattern where one person becomes excessively focused on managing a loved one's addiction, often at the expense of their own well-being and enabling the substance use to continue.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'motivational enhancement therapy' (MET)?
- A long-term therapy focused on uncovering the root causes of addiction
- A brief, directive therapy using MI principles to rapidly build motivation for change (Correct answer)
- A group-based approach that uses peer pressure to motivate behavior change
- A behavioral approach that uses rewards to reinforce sobriety
Correct answer: A brief, directive therapy using MI principles to rapidly build motivation for change
MET is a brief (typically 2-4 sessions) adaptation of Motivational Interviewing designed to rapidly build intrinsic motivation and commitment to change, originally tested in Project MATCH.
Question 4: In the NAADAC Code of Ethics, the principle of 'non-maleficence' means that counselors must:
- Respect clients' right to make their own decisions
- Avoid actions that cause harm to clients (Correct answer)
- Treat all clients fairly and without discrimination
- Keep client information confidential
Correct answer: Avoid actions that cause harm to clients
Non-maleficence — 'do no harm' — requires counselors to avoid actions, interventions, or behaviors that could harm clients, even when well-intentioned.
Question 5: Which of the following substances produces withdrawal symptoms that can be directly life-threatening without medical management?
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Alcohol (Correct answer)
- Heroin
Correct answer: Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium tremens, and death, making it one of the few substance withdrawals that require medical supervision; opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable but rarely directly fatal in healthy adults.
Question 6: The 'abstinence violation effect' (AVE) in relapse prevention refers to:
- The physical craving that occurs after a period of abstinence
- Feelings of guilt and failure after a lapse that lead to full relapse (Correct answer)
- The increased risk of overdose after a period of abstinence
- A contractual agreement to abstain from substances
Correct answer: Feelings of guilt and failure after a lapse that lead to full relapse
The AVE, described by Marlatt and Gordon, refers to the cognitive-emotional response to a lapse — feelings of guilt, shame, and 'I've already blown it' thinking — that can turn a brief slip into a full relapse.
Question 7: Which professional organization specifically certifies Master Addiction Counselors (MAC) in the United States?
- NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors) (Correct answer)
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
- ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine)
- NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Correct answer: NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, administers the MAC (Master Addiction Counselor) credential, which is a national certification for advanced-level addiction counselors.
MAC Trivia 5
Which treatment approach for opioid use disorder uses a partial agonist that reduces cravings while having a ceiling effect that limits overdose risk?