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 addiction?
A. Occasional use of substances
B. Habitual social drinking
C. Chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking
and use despite harmful consequences
D. A temporary habit
Rationale: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder involving
compulsive substance use regardless of negative outcomes.
,2. Which neurotransmitter is most closely linked with the brain’s reward
system?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Norepinephrine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a central role in the brain’s reward and
pleasure centers, influencing addiction.
3. The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to:
A. Confront denial directly
B. Force clients to change behavior
C. Enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. Punish maladaptive behaviors
Rationale: Motivational interviewing seeks to evoke and strengthen
internal motivation for change rather than impose it externally.
4. The first stage in Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change model is:
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Maintenance
,Rationale: In precontemplation, clients are not yet considering change or
are unaware of the need for it.
5. Which of the following substances is classified as a depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Alcohol
C. LSD
D. Methamphetamine
Rationale: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing brain
and body functions.
6. In a treatment setting, confidentiality may be breached when:
A. A client admits to past substance use
B. There is imminent danger to self or others
C. The client requests it
D. The counselor feels uncomfortable
Rationale: Confidentiality can be legally broken only when there is risk of
harm to self or others or court-mandated disclosure.
7. Which of the following best describes co-occurring disorders?
A. A substance use disorder only
B. A mental health disorder only
, C. The presence of both substance use and mental health disorders
D. A relapse prevention plan
Rationale: Co-occurring disorders involve simultaneous mental health and
substance use disorders.
8. Which counseling technique uses unconditional positive regard, empathy,
and congruence?
A. Person-centered therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Solution-focused therapy
D. Reality therapy
Rationale: Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy emphasizes acceptance,
empathy, and authenticity in the counselor-client relationship.
9. What is the main goal of detoxification?
A. To prevent relapse
B. To change behavior patterns
C. To safely manage withdrawal symptoms
D. To develop coping skills
Rationale: Detoxification focuses on safely managing the physical
symptoms of withdrawal before treatment continues.
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best defines addiction?
A. Occasional use of substances
B. Habitual social drinking
C. Chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking
and use despite harmful consequences
D. A temporary habit
Rationale: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder involving
compulsive substance use regardless of negative outcomes.
,2. Which neurotransmitter is most closely linked with the brain’s reward
system?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Norepinephrine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a central role in the brain’s reward and
pleasure centers, influencing addiction.
3. The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to:
A. Confront denial directly
B. Force clients to change behavior
C. Enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. Punish maladaptive behaviors
Rationale: Motivational interviewing seeks to evoke and strengthen
internal motivation for change rather than impose it externally.
4. The first stage in Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change model is:
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Maintenance
,Rationale: In precontemplation, clients are not yet considering change or
are unaware of the need for it.
5. Which of the following substances is classified as a depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Alcohol
C. LSD
D. Methamphetamine
Rationale: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing brain
and body functions.
6. In a treatment setting, confidentiality may be breached when:
A. A client admits to past substance use
B. There is imminent danger to self or others
C. The client requests it
D. The counselor feels uncomfortable
Rationale: Confidentiality can be legally broken only when there is risk of
harm to self or others or court-mandated disclosure.
7. Which of the following best describes co-occurring disorders?
A. A substance use disorder only
B. A mental health disorder only
, C. The presence of both substance use and mental health disorders
D. A relapse prevention plan
Rationale: Co-occurring disorders involve simultaneous mental health and
substance use disorders.
8. Which counseling technique uses unconditional positive regard, empathy,
and congruence?
A. Person-centered therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Solution-focused therapy
D. Reality therapy
Rationale: Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy emphasizes acceptance,
empathy, and authenticity in the counselor-client relationship.
9. What is the main goal of detoxification?
A. To prevent relapse
B. To change behavior patterns
C. To safely manage withdrawal symptoms
D. To develop coping skills
Rationale: Detoxification focuses on safely managing the physical
symptoms of withdrawal before treatment continues.
