CERTIFIED ADDICTION COUNSELOR
(CAC) EXAM QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary goal of addiction counseling is to:
A. Enforce abstinence
B. Diagnose mental illness
C. Punish substance use
D. Support recovery and improve functioning
Rationale: Addiction counseling focuses on helping clients achieve
recovery, improve quality of life, and develop coping strategies rather
than punishment or forced abstinence.
2. Which substance is classified as a central nervous system depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
C. Alcohol
D. LSD
Rationale: Alcohol slows brain activity and is classified as a CNS
depressant.
3. Tolerance refers to:
A. Physical withdrawal symptoms
B. Emotional dependence
C. Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect
D. Using substances socially
, Rationale: Tolerance develops when the body adapts to a substance,
requiring increased amounts for the same effect.
4. Withdrawal is best defined as:
A. Craving only
B. Physical and psychological symptoms after stopping use
C. Intoxication
D. Relapse behavior
Rationale: Withdrawal occurs when substance use is reduced or stopped
after dependence has developed.
5. Which theory emphasizes behavior being learned through reinforcement?
A. Psychodynamic theory
B. Humanistic theory
C. Behavioral theory
D. Biological theory
Rationale: Behavioral theory explains addiction through learned
behaviors reinforced by rewards.
6. The biopsychosocial model includes:
A. Biology only
B. Psychology only
C. Social factors only
D. Biological, psychological, and social factors
Rationale: Addiction is influenced by multiple interacting factors, not a
single cause.
7. A common symptom of opioid overdose is:
A. Dilated pupils
B. Agitation
C. Respiratory depression
D. Increased heart rate
Rationale: Opioids slow breathing, making respiratory depression the
primary danger.
, 8. Motivational interviewing is best described as:
A. Confrontational counseling
B. Directive advice-giving
C. Client-centered and goal-oriented counseling
D. Group therapy only
Rationale: Motivational interviewing enhances motivation through
empathy and collaboration.
9. Which stage of change involves awareness but no commitment?
A. Action
B. Maintenance
C. Contemplation
D. Preparation
Rationale: In contemplation, clients recognize a problem but are not yet
ready to change.
10.Confidentiality may be legally broken when:
A. A client relapses
B. A client misses sessions
C. There is imminent danger to self or others
D. A family member requests information
Rationale: Ethical and legal standards require reporting when safety is at
risk.
11.Which drug is a stimulant?
A. Heroin
B. Alcohol
C. Cocaine
D. Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Cocaine increases CNS activity and alertness.
12.Co-occurring disorders refer to:
A. Multiple addictions
B. Substance use disorder with a mental health disorder
C. Withdrawal symptoms
(CAC) EXAM QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary goal of addiction counseling is to:
A. Enforce abstinence
B. Diagnose mental illness
C. Punish substance use
D. Support recovery and improve functioning
Rationale: Addiction counseling focuses on helping clients achieve
recovery, improve quality of life, and develop coping strategies rather
than punishment or forced abstinence.
2. Which substance is classified as a central nervous system depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
C. Alcohol
D. LSD
Rationale: Alcohol slows brain activity and is classified as a CNS
depressant.
3. Tolerance refers to:
A. Physical withdrawal symptoms
B. Emotional dependence
C. Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect
D. Using substances socially
, Rationale: Tolerance develops when the body adapts to a substance,
requiring increased amounts for the same effect.
4. Withdrawal is best defined as:
A. Craving only
B. Physical and psychological symptoms after stopping use
C. Intoxication
D. Relapse behavior
Rationale: Withdrawal occurs when substance use is reduced or stopped
after dependence has developed.
5. Which theory emphasizes behavior being learned through reinforcement?
A. Psychodynamic theory
B. Humanistic theory
C. Behavioral theory
D. Biological theory
Rationale: Behavioral theory explains addiction through learned
behaviors reinforced by rewards.
6. The biopsychosocial model includes:
A. Biology only
B. Psychology only
C. Social factors only
D. Biological, psychological, and social factors
Rationale: Addiction is influenced by multiple interacting factors, not a
single cause.
7. A common symptom of opioid overdose is:
A. Dilated pupils
B. Agitation
C. Respiratory depression
D. Increased heart rate
Rationale: Opioids slow breathing, making respiratory depression the
primary danger.
, 8. Motivational interviewing is best described as:
A. Confrontational counseling
B. Directive advice-giving
C. Client-centered and goal-oriented counseling
D. Group therapy only
Rationale: Motivational interviewing enhances motivation through
empathy and collaboration.
9. Which stage of change involves awareness but no commitment?
A. Action
B. Maintenance
C. Contemplation
D. Preparation
Rationale: In contemplation, clients recognize a problem but are not yet
ready to change.
10.Confidentiality may be legally broken when:
A. A client relapses
B. A client misses sessions
C. There is imminent danger to self or others
D. A family member requests information
Rationale: Ethical and legal standards require reporting when safety is at
risk.
11.Which drug is a stimulant?
A. Heroin
B. Alcohol
C. Cocaine
D. Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Cocaine increases CNS activity and alertness.
12.Co-occurring disorders refer to:
A. Multiple addictions
B. Substance use disorder with a mental health disorder
C. Withdrawal symptoms
