ADDICTION SUPPORT WORKER
CERTIFICATION EXAM ACTUAL PREP
QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS -
LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. A client presents with tremors, sweating, and anxiety after abruptly stopping
alcohol. The most appropriate immediate intervention is:
A. Provide counseling about long-term recovery strategies
B. Administer medical assessment and monitor for delirium tremens
C. Encourage the client to drink small amounts of alcohol
D. Refer the client to group therapy next week
Rationale: Clients experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal may develop
delirium tremens, a medical emergency. Immediate assessment and
monitoring are critical.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the reward pathway
implicated in substance use disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Rationale: Dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway reinforces
substance use behaviors and underlies addiction.
3. A client refuses treatment but is engaging in behaviors that put them at risk
of harm. As an addiction support worker, the best approach is:
A. Forcibly admit the client to treatment
B. Use motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence
, C. Ignore the behaviors until they seek help
D. Provide unsolicited advice about quitting
Rationale: Motivational interviewing is evidence-based for engaging
clients ambivalent about change without coercion.
4. Harm reduction strategies include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Needle exchange programs
B. Safe consumption sites
C. Supervised medical detox
D. Forcing abstinence through punitive measures
Rationale: Harm reduction focuses on minimizing negative consequences
rather than coercion or punishment.
5. When assessing a client for substance misuse, which of the following is the
most effective initial screening tool?
A. DSM-5 criteria checklist
B. AUDIT or DAST screening questionnaires
C. Complete blood count
D. MRI scan
Rationale: AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and DAST
(Drug Abuse Screening Test) are validated screening tools for initial
assessment.
6. Which principle of ethical practice is most relevant when maintaining client
confidentiality?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
, Rationale: Respecting a client’s autonomy includes safeguarding personal
information unless legally required to disclose.
7. A client with opioid use disorder reports cravings despite being on
methadone maintenance. The best next step is:
A. Increase counseling sessions only
B. Assess for dose adequacy and potential triggers
C. Discontinue methadone immediately
D. Refer to peer support without clinical review
Rationale: Methadone dosing and trigger assessment are essential to
adjust treatment safely and effectively.
8. Which of the following best describes “dual diagnosis”?
A. Substance use disorder co-occurring with chronic pain
B. Alcohol dependence with a history of criminal behavior
C. Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
D. Use of two substances simultaneously
Rationale: Dual diagnosis refers specifically to the co-existence of a
mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
9. During a group therapy session, a client becomes agitated and threatens
another client. The appropriate first action is:
A. Ask the client to leave without further discussion
B. Ensure immediate safety and de-escalate the situation
C. Continue the session and ignore the behavior
D. Call law enforcement immediately
Rationale: Client and staff safety must be prioritized. De-escalation is the
evidence-based first response.
10.Which legal act governs mandatory reporting of child abuse in the context of
substance use treatment?
, A. HIPAA
B. Local child protection laws / Child Welfare Act
C. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
D. Freedom of Information Act
Rationale: Child protection laws require professionals to report suspected
abuse or neglect, even in confidential treatment settings.
11.The transtheoretical model (Stages of Change) includes all of the following
stages EXCEPT:
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Regression
Rationale: The stages are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation,
Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Regression is a potential outcome
but not a stage.
12.A client reports using multiple substances daily. Which approach is most
suitable for assessment?
A. Focus on the most harmful substance only
B. Conduct a comprehensive, multi-substance assessment
C. Use self-reported intake exclusively
D. Wait for stabilization before assessing
Rationale: A thorough assessment identifies all substances and patterns to
guide effective treatment planning.
13.Which factor most strongly predicts relapse in early recovery?
A. Family support
B. Length of treatment
C. Exposure to high-risk situations without coping strategies
CERTIFICATION EXAM ACTUAL PREP
QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS -
LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. A client presents with tremors, sweating, and anxiety after abruptly stopping
alcohol. The most appropriate immediate intervention is:
A. Provide counseling about long-term recovery strategies
B. Administer medical assessment and monitor for delirium tremens
C. Encourage the client to drink small amounts of alcohol
D. Refer the client to group therapy next week
Rationale: Clients experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal may develop
delirium tremens, a medical emergency. Immediate assessment and
monitoring are critical.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the reward pathway
implicated in substance use disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Rationale: Dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway reinforces
substance use behaviors and underlies addiction.
3. A client refuses treatment but is engaging in behaviors that put them at risk
of harm. As an addiction support worker, the best approach is:
A. Forcibly admit the client to treatment
B. Use motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence
, C. Ignore the behaviors until they seek help
D. Provide unsolicited advice about quitting
Rationale: Motivational interviewing is evidence-based for engaging
clients ambivalent about change without coercion.
4. Harm reduction strategies include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Needle exchange programs
B. Safe consumption sites
C. Supervised medical detox
D. Forcing abstinence through punitive measures
Rationale: Harm reduction focuses on minimizing negative consequences
rather than coercion or punishment.
5. When assessing a client for substance misuse, which of the following is the
most effective initial screening tool?
A. DSM-5 criteria checklist
B. AUDIT or DAST screening questionnaires
C. Complete blood count
D. MRI scan
Rationale: AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and DAST
(Drug Abuse Screening Test) are validated screening tools for initial
assessment.
6. Which principle of ethical practice is most relevant when maintaining client
confidentiality?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
, Rationale: Respecting a client’s autonomy includes safeguarding personal
information unless legally required to disclose.
7. A client with opioid use disorder reports cravings despite being on
methadone maintenance. The best next step is:
A. Increase counseling sessions only
B. Assess for dose adequacy and potential triggers
C. Discontinue methadone immediately
D. Refer to peer support without clinical review
Rationale: Methadone dosing and trigger assessment are essential to
adjust treatment safely and effectively.
8. Which of the following best describes “dual diagnosis”?
A. Substance use disorder co-occurring with chronic pain
B. Alcohol dependence with a history of criminal behavior
C. Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
D. Use of two substances simultaneously
Rationale: Dual diagnosis refers specifically to the co-existence of a
mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
9. During a group therapy session, a client becomes agitated and threatens
another client. The appropriate first action is:
A. Ask the client to leave without further discussion
B. Ensure immediate safety and de-escalate the situation
C. Continue the session and ignore the behavior
D. Call law enforcement immediately
Rationale: Client and staff safety must be prioritized. De-escalation is the
evidence-based first response.
10.Which legal act governs mandatory reporting of child abuse in the context of
substance use treatment?
, A. HIPAA
B. Local child protection laws / Child Welfare Act
C. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
D. Freedom of Information Act
Rationale: Child protection laws require professionals to report suspected
abuse or neglect, even in confidential treatment settings.
11.The transtheoretical model (Stages of Change) includes all of the following
stages EXCEPT:
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Preparation
D. Regression
Rationale: The stages are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation,
Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Regression is a potential outcome
but not a stage.
12.A client reports using multiple substances daily. Which approach is most
suitable for assessment?
A. Focus on the most harmful substance only
B. Conduct a comprehensive, multi-substance assessment
C. Use self-reported intake exclusively
D. Wait for stabilization before assessing
Rationale: A thorough assessment identifies all substances and patterns to
guide effective treatment planning.
13.Which factor most strongly predicts relapse in early recovery?
A. Family support
B. Length of treatment
C. Exposure to high-risk situations without coping strategies
