Master Addiction Counselor Exam Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an evidence-based mutual aid group that uses cognitive-behavioral tools rather than a spiritual framework?
- SMART Recovery (Correct answer)
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Celebrate Recovery
Correct answer: SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a secular, evidence-based mutual aid program that uses CBT and motivational principles.
Question 2: Continuing care after primary treatment most strongly predicts which outcome?
- Sustained abstinence and long-term recovery (Correct answer)
- Improved financial stability
- Reduced family conflict only
- Faster medical recovery
Correct answer: Sustained abstinence and long-term recovery
Research consistently shows that participation in continuing care (step-down services, outpatient, mutual aid) after primary treatment significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.
Question 3: A counselor helps a client identify people, places, and things associated with past use. This intervention targets:
- External relapse triggers (Correct answer)
- Internal emotional triggers
- Cognitive distortions
- Withdrawal symptoms
Correct answer: External relapse triggers
People, places, and things linked to prior drug use are external environmental triggers that can elicit cravings and increase relapse risk.
Question 4: In relapse prevention planning, a 'seemingly irrelevant decision' (SID) refers to:
- A minor choice that unconsciously moves a client closer to relapse (Correct answer)
- A clinical decision made without client input
- An irrelevant topic introduced to avoid discussing relapse
- A decision made during a blackout
Correct answer: A minor choice that unconsciously moves a client closer to relapse
SIDs are decisions that appear harmless in isolation but collectively create a chain of events that leads the client back toward substance use.
Question 5: Which stage of the Stages of Change model is most associated with active relapse prevention skill practice?
- Maintenance (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Contemplation
- Precontemplation
Correct answer: Maintenance
In the Maintenance stage, the client has made the change and works actively to sustain it by applying relapse prevention strategies and managing triggers.
Question 6: Lifestyle balance, as described in Marlatt's relapse prevention model, involves:
- Balancing obligations and pleasurable activities to reduce relapse risk (Correct answer)
- Maintaining a balanced diet during recovery
- Balancing individual therapy with group therapy
- Distributing caseload evenly among counselors
Correct answer: Balancing obligations and pleasurable activities to reduce relapse risk
Marlatt proposed that an imbalance between demands (obligations) and desires (pleasures) increases craving and relapse risk, so achieving lifestyle balance is a key prevention goal.
Master Addiction Counselor Exam Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support 2
Which of the following is an evidence-based mutual aid group that uses cognitive-behavioral tools rather than a spiritual framework?