Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
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Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following best defines "tolerance" in substance use?
A. Psychological craving for a substance
B. The need to increase the dose to achieve the same effect
C. The body's physical withdrawal symptoms
D. The mental obsession with a drug
Tolerance occurs when an individual needs increasingly larger amounts of
a substance to achieve the original effect.
2. What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing?
A. To confront the client directly about their denial
B. To enhance the client's intrinsic motivation to change
C. To prescribe a treatment plan without client input
D. To identify family enablers
,Motivational interviewing is a collaborative method aimed at
strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.
3. A client expresses readiness to quit using drugs but fears withdrawal
symptoms. What is the best response?
A. "You just need to be stronger."
B. "You’ve done worse things than this."
C. "Let’s discuss medically supervised detox options."
D. "That’s not something to worry about."
Acknowledging concerns and offering support options, like medically
supervised detox, increases client trust and safety.
4. Which of the following substances is classified as a stimulant?
A. Cocaine
B. Heroin
C. Alcohol
D. LSD
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant affecting the central nervous system,
increasing alertness and energy.
5. In the DSM-5, substance use disorders are diagnosed based on:
A. A single instance of substance use
B. A pattern of behaviors and symptoms over a 12-month period
C. Only physical withdrawal signs
D. Blood concentration levels
,DSM-5 criteria require a pattern of use causing significant impairment or
distress within a 12-month timeframe.
6. Which defense mechanism is commonly seen in addiction?
A. Sublimation
B. Denial
C. Projection
D. Regression
Denial is the most frequently used defense in addiction, where the
individual refuses to accept the reality of their problem.
7. What is the main purpose of a treatment plan?
A. To discipline the client
B. To satisfy legal requirements
C. To provide medication schedules
D. To guide structured, goal-oriented treatment
A treatment plan helps counselors and clients work together toward
measurable goals in recovery.
8. Which approach is associated with 12-step recovery programs?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Harm reduction
C. Abstinence-based model
D. Cognitive restructuring
, 12-step programs like AA and NA promote complete abstinence from all
mood-altering substances.
9. When is a counselor legally required to breach confidentiality?
A. When the client talks about past drug use
B. When the client threatens to harm themselves or others
C. When the client is under 18
D. When the counselor feels uncomfortable
Confidentiality may be breached if there is a duty to warn or protect due to
a threat of harm.
10. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is at risk for:
A. Panic attacks
B. Weight loss
C. Delirium tremens
D. Memory improvement
Delirium tremens is a severe and potentially fatal alcohol withdrawal
symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
11. Which of the following is a symptom of opioid withdrawal?
A. Euphoria
B. Muscle aches and sweating
C. Visual hallucinations
D. Seizures
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best defines "tolerance" in substance use?
A. Psychological craving for a substance
B. The need to increase the dose to achieve the same effect
C. The body's physical withdrawal symptoms
D. The mental obsession with a drug
Tolerance occurs when an individual needs increasingly larger amounts of
a substance to achieve the original effect.
2. What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing?
A. To confront the client directly about their denial
B. To enhance the client's intrinsic motivation to change
C. To prescribe a treatment plan without client input
D. To identify family enablers
,Motivational interviewing is a collaborative method aimed at
strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.
3. A client expresses readiness to quit using drugs but fears withdrawal
symptoms. What is the best response?
A. "You just need to be stronger."
B. "You’ve done worse things than this."
C. "Let’s discuss medically supervised detox options."
D. "That’s not something to worry about."
Acknowledging concerns and offering support options, like medically
supervised detox, increases client trust and safety.
4. Which of the following substances is classified as a stimulant?
A. Cocaine
B. Heroin
C. Alcohol
D. LSD
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant affecting the central nervous system,
increasing alertness and energy.
5. In the DSM-5, substance use disorders are diagnosed based on:
A. A single instance of substance use
B. A pattern of behaviors and symptoms over a 12-month period
C. Only physical withdrawal signs
D. Blood concentration levels
,DSM-5 criteria require a pattern of use causing significant impairment or
distress within a 12-month timeframe.
6. Which defense mechanism is commonly seen in addiction?
A. Sublimation
B. Denial
C. Projection
D. Regression
Denial is the most frequently used defense in addiction, where the
individual refuses to accept the reality of their problem.
7. What is the main purpose of a treatment plan?
A. To discipline the client
B. To satisfy legal requirements
C. To provide medication schedules
D. To guide structured, goal-oriented treatment
A treatment plan helps counselors and clients work together toward
measurable goals in recovery.
8. Which approach is associated with 12-step recovery programs?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Harm reduction
C. Abstinence-based model
D. Cognitive restructuring
, 12-step programs like AA and NA promote complete abstinence from all
mood-altering substances.
9. When is a counselor legally required to breach confidentiality?
A. When the client talks about past drug use
B. When the client threatens to harm themselves or others
C. When the client is under 18
D. When the counselor feels uncomfortable
Confidentiality may be breached if there is a duty to warn or protect due to
a threat of harm.
10. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is at risk for:
A. Panic attacks
B. Weight loss
C. Delirium tremens
D. Memory improvement
Delirium tremens is a severe and potentially fatal alcohol withdrawal
symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
11. Which of the following is a symptom of opioid withdrawal?
A. Euphoria
B. Muscle aches and sweating
C. Visual hallucinations
D. Seizures
