NCMHCE Addictions Counseling and Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

In the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), a client who states 'I know my drinking is causing problems, but I'm not ready to do anything about it yet' is MOST likely in which stage?

Accepted Answer

Contemplation

Answer

Precontemplation

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Action

Question 2

The CAGE questionnaire screens for problematic alcohol use. The acronym stands for:

Accepted Answer

Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener

Answer

Cravings, Anger, Guilt, Early morning drinking

Answer

Compulsive use, Abuse, Guilt, Elimination

Answer

Control loss, Avoidance, Grief, Excessive use

Question 3

According to the DSM-5, the severity of a Substance Use Disorder is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The number of diagnostic criteria met: 2–3 = mild, 4–5 = moderate, 6+ = severe

Answer

The type and potency of the substance being used

Answer

The length of time the client has been using the substance

Answer

The degree of social and occupational impairment alone

Question 4

Harm reduction as a treatment philosophy for substance use disorders is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Reducing drug-related negative consequences without mandating abstinence as a prerequisite

Answer

Requiring immediate abstinence before any treatment services are provided

Answer

A disease-model approach emphasizing lifelong recovery through 12-step programs

Answer

A behavioral approach using aversion therapy to decrease substance cravings

Question 5

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder using buprenorphine works primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Acting as a partial opioid agonist to reduce cravings and withdrawal while having a ceiling effect that limits overdose risk

Answer

Producing euphoria that substitutes for heroin, making recovery easier

Answer

Blocking dopamine receptors to eliminate the rewarding effects of all substances

Answer

Inducing an aversive reaction to opioids to create a conditioned avoidance response

Question 6

A counselor using Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a client ambivalent about sobriety reflects 'change talk' by responding most therapeutically to which client statement?

Accepted Answer

'Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like sober.'

Answer

'I don't think I have a drinking problem.'

Answer

'My wife probably worries too much.'

Answer

'I've tried quitting before and it never works.'