Counselor (LCDC) Exam 240 Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025 Q&A Instant Download PDF –
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1. What is the primary goal of the screening process in substance abuse treatment?
a) To determine the client’s family history
b) To identify co-occurring mental health issues
c) To determine whether the client is appropriate for the program
d) To develop a treatment plan
Rationale: Screening is used to determine whether a client is appropriate and
eligible for a particular treatment program.
2. Which of the following best describes the disease model of addiction?
a) Addiction is a moral failing
b) Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease
c) Addiction is a learned behavior
d) Addiction is a temporary condition
Rationale: The disease model views addiction as a chronic illness affecting brain
chemistry and behavior.
3. During which core function does the counselor develop an individualized
treatment plan?
a) Screening
b) Assessment
c) Treatment Planning
d) Referral
Rationale: Treatment planning follows assessment and is essential for setting
individualized goals and strategies.
4. The best initial response when a client expresses suicidal thoughts is to:
a) Ignore it if the client is stable
b) Tell them it’s just withdrawal symptoms
c) Assess for risk and refer immediately if needed
,d) Document and continue with the session
Rationale: Suicidal ideation requires immediate attention and possibly referral to
emergency services or mental health professionals.
5. A client with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder is
considered to have:
a) A behavioral dependency
b) A co-occurring disorder
c) A psychological dependency
d) A dual-diagnosis failure
Rationale: Co-occurring disorders refer to individuals who experience both
substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously.
6. Which of the following best defines "codependency"?
a) Use of multiple substances
b) A behavioral condition in a person who is close to someone with an
addiction
c) Dependence on prescription drugs
d) Chronic denial of one’s addiction
Rationale: Codependency refers to a dysfunctional helping relationship where one
person supports or enables another’s addiction.
7. The most appropriate tool to assess withdrawal symptoms is:
a) SASSI
b) Beck Depression Inventory
c) CIWA-Ar
d) MMPI-2
Rationale: The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) is
used to quantify and manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
8. The stage of change where the individual is aware of the problem but not yet
ready to change is:
a) Precontemplation
b) Contemplation
c) Preparation
d) Action
Rationale: In the contemplation stage, clients acknowledge the problem but are
ambivalent about change.
,9. Which federal law protects the confidentiality of substance use disorder
treatment records?
a) HIPAA
b) 42 CFR Part 2
c) ADA
d) FERPA
Rationale: 42 CFR Part 2 provides extra protections for substance use treatment
records beyond HIPAA.
10. Which of the following is a short-acting opioid antagonist used to reverse
overdose?
a) Methadone
b) Buprenorphine
c) Naloxone
d) Naltrexone
Rationale: Naloxone is used in emergencies to reverse opioid overdose symptoms
rapidly.
11. The ASAM criteria is primarily used for:
a) Diagnosing personality disorders
b) Determining level of care for substance use treatment
c) Assessing mental status
d) Screening for depression
Rationale: The ASAM criteria provides a standardized method for matching clients
to appropriate levels of care.
12. Which of the following is a long-acting opioid agonist used for maintenance
treatment?
a) Naloxone
b) Methadone
c) Naltrexone
d) Acamprosate
Rationale: Methadone is a full opioid agonist used in opioid maintenance
programs.
13. The term "relapse prevention" in substance abuse treatment refers to:
a) Complete abstinence after first treatment
b) Strategies to identify and cope with high-risk situations
, c) Punishment for substance use
d) Involuntary commitment
Rationale: Relapse prevention focuses on recognizing triggers and developing
coping skills to maintain sobriety.
14. Which of the following is a common withdrawal symptom from alcohol?
a) Sedation
b) Bradycardia
c) Tremors and anxiety
d) Hypothermia
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal typically causes autonomic hyperactivity, tremors,
anxiety, and seizures.
15. The CAGE questionnaire is used to screen for:
a) Depression
b) Alcohol use disorder
c) Anxiety
d) Opioid use disorder
Rationale: CAGE is a brief screening tool for alcohol problems.
16. In Motivational Interviewing, "rolling with resistance" means:
a) Confronting the client directly
b) Accepting the client's ambivalence without arguing
c) Ignoring the client's concerns
d) Prescribing the desired behavior
Rationale: Rolling with resistance involves acknowledging the client's perspective
and avoiding power struggles.
17. The primary purpose of a treatment plan is to:
a) Satisfy insurance requirements
b) Provide a roadmap for therapeutic interventions
c) Document past substance use
d) Assign a diagnosis
Rationale: Treatment plans outline goals, objectives, and interventions tailored to
the client's needs.
18. Which medication is used for alcohol relapse prevention by blocking opioid
receptors?
a) Disulfiram
b) Acamprosate