CERTIFIED ALCOHOL AND DRUG
COUNSELOR (CADC) EXAMINATION
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the most widely used screening tool for substance
abuse?
A. Beck Depression Inventory
B. AUDIT
C. MMPI
D. WAIS
B. AUDIT
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is a validated tool widely
used to screen for hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption.
2. The stages of change model includes which of the following stages?
A. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance,
Termination
B. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
C. Observation, Assessment, Treatment, Evaluation
D. Assessment, Detoxification, Rehabilitation, Aftercare
A. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance,
Termination
The Transtheoretical Model identifies these stages as critical steps in
behavioral change.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward
system and substance use?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
, C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
Dopamine is central to the reward pathway and is heavily involved in the
reinforcing effects of substances.
4. What is the primary purpose of a detoxification program?
A. To provide long-term therapy
B. To manage withdrawal safely
C. To enforce abstinence legally
D. To prevent relapse entirely
B. To manage withdrawal safely
Detoxification focuses on safely managing acute withdrawal symptoms
under medical supervision.
5. Motivational interviewing is designed to:
A. Confront denial aggressively
B. Increase client motivation for change
C. Diagnose co-occurring disorders
D. Teach coping skills directly
B. Increase client motivation for change
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach that
helps resolve ambivalence and promote change.
6. A co-occurring disorder refers to:
A. Two family members with the same addiction
B. A client with both substance use and mental health disorders
C. Substance abuse that occurs in cycles
D. An addiction that resists treatment
B. A client with both substance use and mental health disorders
Co-occurring disorders involve simultaneous substance use and mental
health conditions requiring integrated treatment.
7. Which of the following is an opioid antagonist used in relapse prevention?
A. Methadone
B. Naltrexone
C. Diazepam
, D. Buprenorphine
B. Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, reducing cravings and the risk of
relapse.
8. The main difference between substance abuse and substance dependence
is:
A. Abuse involves tolerance and withdrawal; dependence does not
B. Dependence includes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
C. Abuse always requires inpatient treatment
D. Dependence occurs only with illegal drugs
B. Dependence includes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
Dependence is characterized by physiological adaptations, including
tolerance and withdrawal.
9. What is the recommended minimum duration for residential treatment for
severe addiction?
A. 1–2 days
B. 1–2 weeks
C. 30–90 days
D. 6–12 months
C. 30–90 days
Research indicates that residential treatment of 30–90 days provides
sufficient structure for stabilization and therapy.
10.Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of alcohol withdrawal?
A. Hypersomnia
B. Tremors and agitation
C. Euphoria
D. Weight gain
B. Tremors and agitation
Tremors, sweating, and agitation are classic symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal, sometimes progressing to delirium tremens.
11.Harm reduction strategies include all EXCEPT:
A. Needle exchange programs
B. Safe injection sites
COUNSELOR (CADC) EXAMINATION
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the most widely used screening tool for substance
abuse?
A. Beck Depression Inventory
B. AUDIT
C. MMPI
D. WAIS
B. AUDIT
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is a validated tool widely
used to screen for hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption.
2. The stages of change model includes which of the following stages?
A. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance,
Termination
B. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
C. Observation, Assessment, Treatment, Evaluation
D. Assessment, Detoxification, Rehabilitation, Aftercare
A. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance,
Termination
The Transtheoretical Model identifies these stages as critical steps in
behavioral change.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward
system and substance use?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
, C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
Dopamine is central to the reward pathway and is heavily involved in the
reinforcing effects of substances.
4. What is the primary purpose of a detoxification program?
A. To provide long-term therapy
B. To manage withdrawal safely
C. To enforce abstinence legally
D. To prevent relapse entirely
B. To manage withdrawal safely
Detoxification focuses on safely managing acute withdrawal symptoms
under medical supervision.
5. Motivational interviewing is designed to:
A. Confront denial aggressively
B. Increase client motivation for change
C. Diagnose co-occurring disorders
D. Teach coping skills directly
B. Increase client motivation for change
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach that
helps resolve ambivalence and promote change.
6. A co-occurring disorder refers to:
A. Two family members with the same addiction
B. A client with both substance use and mental health disorders
C. Substance abuse that occurs in cycles
D. An addiction that resists treatment
B. A client with both substance use and mental health disorders
Co-occurring disorders involve simultaneous substance use and mental
health conditions requiring integrated treatment.
7. Which of the following is an opioid antagonist used in relapse prevention?
A. Methadone
B. Naltrexone
C. Diazepam
, D. Buprenorphine
B. Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, reducing cravings and the risk of
relapse.
8. The main difference between substance abuse and substance dependence
is:
A. Abuse involves tolerance and withdrawal; dependence does not
B. Dependence includes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
C. Abuse always requires inpatient treatment
D. Dependence occurs only with illegal drugs
B. Dependence includes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
Dependence is characterized by physiological adaptations, including
tolerance and withdrawal.
9. What is the recommended minimum duration for residential treatment for
severe addiction?
A. 1–2 days
B. 1–2 weeks
C. 30–90 days
D. 6–12 months
C. 30–90 days
Research indicates that residential treatment of 30–90 days provides
sufficient structure for stabilization and therapy.
10.Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of alcohol withdrawal?
A. Hypersomnia
B. Tremors and agitation
C. Euphoria
D. Weight gain
B. Tremors and agitation
Tremors, sweating, and agitation are classic symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal, sometimes progressing to delirium tremens.
11.Harm reduction strategies include all EXCEPT:
A. Needle exchange programs
B. Safe injection sites
