TCC Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial model of addiction?
- Addiction is solely caused by genetic predisposition
- Addiction results from biological, psychological, and social factors interacting together (Correct answer)
- Addiction is primarily a moral failing requiring willpower to overcome
- Addiction is exclusively caused by environmental stressors
Correct answer: Addiction results from biological, psychological, and social factors interacting together
The biopsychosocial model recognizes that addiction arises from the interaction of biological vulnerabilities, psychological factors, and social/environmental influences rather than any single cause.
Question 2: According to the DSM-5, how many criteria must be met within a 12-month period to diagnose a substance use disorder?
- At least 1 of 11 criteria
- At least 2 of 11 criteria (Correct answer)
- At least 4 of 11 criteria
- At least 6 of 11 criteria
Correct answer: At least 2 of 11 criteria
The DSM-5 requires at least 2 of 11 criteria within a 12-month period for a substance use disorder diagnosis, with severity determined by the number of criteria met (mild: 2-3, moderate: 4-5, severe: 6+).
Question 3: Which motivational interviewing technique involves the counselor acknowledging and reflecting back both sides of a client's ambivalence?
- Affirmation
- Open-ended questioning
- Double-sided reflection (Correct answer)
- Elaboration
Correct answer: Double-sided reflection
Double-sided reflection is a technique in which the counselor reflects both the client's desire to change and their reasons for not changing, helping to explore and resolve ambivalence.
Question 4: The CAGE questionnaire is primarily used to screen for which problem?
- Depression comorbid with substance use
- Alcohol use problems (Correct answer)
- Opioid dependence severity
- Stimulant misuse patterns
Correct answer: Alcohol use problems
The CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a widely used four-question screening tool specifically designed to identify problematic alcohol use.
Question 5: In Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model, the Action stage is best characterized by which of the following?
- Having no intention to change in the next 6 months
- Intending to take action in the next 30 days and having taken some initial steps
- Actively modifying behavior for less than 6 months (Correct answer)
- Maintaining change consistently for more than 6 months
Correct answer: Actively modifying behavior for less than 6 months
The Action stage involves overt behavioral changes that have been sustained for less than 6 months, distinguishing it from the Maintenance stage, which involves sustaining change beyond 6 months.
Question 6: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening primarily because of the risk of which complication?
- Severe dehydration and systemic electrolyte imbalances
- Seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) (Correct answer)
- Cardiac arrhythmias from stimulant rebound effect
- Respiratory depression from prolonged CNS suppression
Correct answer: Seizures and delirium tremens (DTs)
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal due to the risk of grand mal seizures and delirium tremens, which are life-threatening neurological complications resulting from rebound CNS excitation after cessation.
Question 7: Which of the following is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law?
- Marijuana (cannabis)
- Heroin
- Amphetamine (Adderall) (Correct answer)
- Diazepam (Valium)
Correct answer: Amphetamine (Adderall)
Amphetamines such as Adderall are Schedule II substances, indicating high abuse potential with accepted medical use but severe dependence risk; heroin is Schedule I and benzodiazepines are Schedule IV.
TCC Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling 1
Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial model of addiction?