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

Contemplation is characterized by ambivalence — the client acknowledges the problem and its consequences but has not yet committed to change. Precontemplation involves no awareness or desire to change; preparation involves a commitment and initial steps; action involves active behavior change.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener

Answer

CAGE asks four questions: Have you felt you should Cut down? Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you felt Guilty about drinking? Have you had a drink as an Eye-opener in the morning? Two or more 'yes' responses suggest a probable alcohol use disorder and warrant further assessment.

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 DSM-5 replaced DSM-IV's separate 'abuse' and 'dependence' categories with a single Substance Use Disorder diagnosis rated on a dimensional severity scale based on how many of 11 criteria are met. This eliminates the artificial categorical split and better reflects the continuum of substance-related problems.

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

Harm reduction accepts that not all clients are ready or able to achieve immediate abstinence and focuses on pragmatic strategies (e.g., needle exchanges, safer use education, controlled use goals) to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is client-centered and non-coercive, meeting clients where they are.

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

Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid agonist — it activates opioid receptors enough to relieve craving and prevent withdrawal but has a ceiling effect that greatly reduces overdose risk compared to full agonists. SAMHSA and APA recognize MAT as an evidence-based treatment that reduces illicit opioid use, overdose deaths, and disease transmission.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE Addictions Counseling and Substance Use Disorders