Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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Question 1: Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's
reward system and is commonly linked to addiction?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a central role in the brain's reward pathway,
reinforcing behaviors such as drug use, making it a key factor in addiction.
,Question 2: Which stage of change in the Transtheoretical Model involves
the client actively modifying their behavior?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Action
D. Maintenance
Rationale: During the Action stage, individuals implement specific
strategies to change behavior and actively work toward recovery goals.
Question 3: Motivational Interviewing primarily aims to:
A. Confront denial aggressively
B. Enhance intrinsic motivation to change
C. Prescribe coping strategies
D. Enforce abstinence
Rationale: Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring ambivalence
and eliciting the client’s own motivation to change rather than using
confrontation.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered a depressant substance?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
,C. Alcohol
D. Nicotine
Rationale: Depressants slow the central nervous system; alcohol is a
commonly used CNS depressant.
Question 5: What is the primary goal of relapse prevention therapy?
A. Treat co-occurring mental disorders
B. Enforce abstinence through external monitoring
C. Identify and manage triggers and high-risk situations
D. Replace substance use with other addictions
Rationale: Relapse prevention focuses on recognizing triggers, developing
coping strategies, and maintaining long-term recovery.
Question 6: A client with a history of alcohol use presents with tremors,
anxiety, and nausea after stopping drinking. This is most consistent with:
A. Intoxication
B. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
C. Alcohol withdrawal
D. Korsakoff syndrome
Rationale: These are classic symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can
occur after abrupt cessation in dependent individuals.
, Question 7: The primary purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment is to:
A. Diagnose psychiatric disorders only
B. Gather comprehensive information about a client’s biological,
psychological, and social functioning
C. Prescribe medication
D. Measure IQ and cognitive ability
Rationale: A biopsychosocial assessment evaluates all aspects of a client’s
life to inform treatment planning and support recovery.
Question 8: In group counseling, the “here-and-now” approach focuses on:
A. Past traumas
B. Planning for the future
C. Interactions and behaviors occurring within the group session
D. Homework assignments
Rationale: The here-and-now approach emphasizes addressing issues as
they arise in the group setting, promoting immediate insight and feedback.
Question 9: Which of the following is a common sign of opioid intoxication?
A. Hyperactivity and insomnia
B. Pinpoint pupils and drowsiness
C. Hallucinations
D. Tremors
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
Question 1: Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's
reward system and is commonly linked to addiction?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a central role in the brain's reward pathway,
reinforcing behaviors such as drug use, making it a key factor in addiction.
,Question 2: Which stage of change in the Transtheoretical Model involves
the client actively modifying their behavior?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Action
D. Maintenance
Rationale: During the Action stage, individuals implement specific
strategies to change behavior and actively work toward recovery goals.
Question 3: Motivational Interviewing primarily aims to:
A. Confront denial aggressively
B. Enhance intrinsic motivation to change
C. Prescribe coping strategies
D. Enforce abstinence
Rationale: Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring ambivalence
and eliciting the client’s own motivation to change rather than using
confrontation.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered a depressant substance?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
,C. Alcohol
D. Nicotine
Rationale: Depressants slow the central nervous system; alcohol is a
commonly used CNS depressant.
Question 5: What is the primary goal of relapse prevention therapy?
A. Treat co-occurring mental disorders
B. Enforce abstinence through external monitoring
C. Identify and manage triggers and high-risk situations
D. Replace substance use with other addictions
Rationale: Relapse prevention focuses on recognizing triggers, developing
coping strategies, and maintaining long-term recovery.
Question 6: A client with a history of alcohol use presents with tremors,
anxiety, and nausea after stopping drinking. This is most consistent with:
A. Intoxication
B. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
C. Alcohol withdrawal
D. Korsakoff syndrome
Rationale: These are classic symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can
occur after abrupt cessation in dependent individuals.
, Question 7: The primary purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment is to:
A. Diagnose psychiatric disorders only
B. Gather comprehensive information about a client’s biological,
psychological, and social functioning
C. Prescribe medication
D. Measure IQ and cognitive ability
Rationale: A biopsychosocial assessment evaluates all aspects of a client’s
life to inform treatment planning and support recovery.
Question 8: In group counseling, the “here-and-now” approach focuses on:
A. Past traumas
B. Planning for the future
C. Interactions and behaviors occurring within the group session
D. Homework assignments
Rationale: The here-and-now approach emphasizes addressing issues as
they arise in the group setting, promoting immediate insight and feedback.
Question 9: Which of the following is a common sign of opioid intoxication?
A. Hyperactivity and insomnia
B. Pinpoint pupils and drowsiness
C. Hallucinations
D. Tremors
