ADC Exam Updated Actual Questions and Correct Answers
(2026-2027)
Question 1.
genetic risk
Correct Answer: up to 50%; higher in heroin (40-60% overall)
Question 2.
cocaine neurotransmitters
Correct Answer: primary buildup of dopamine (also serotonin and
norepinephrine); people deficient in serotonin are at risk
Question 3.
nootropics
Correct Answer: drugs designed to boost cognitive performance ex: Adderall,
Provigil (sleep disorders), amphetamine
Question 4.
cocaine abuse
Correct Answer: 1. experimental use
2. compulsive use
3. dysfunctional use -arterial constriction & hardening leads to cardiac
arrest/stroke
Question 5.
anabolic steroids
Correct Answer: -engage both opioid and dopamine neurotransmission systems
-just as addictive as caffeine, nicotine, and benzos -withdrawal appears like
cocaine (insomnia, headaches, restlessness, poor libido, dysphoria)
Question 6.
screening & assessment
Correct Answer: screening: looking to determine if a problem exists assessment:
more thorough for targeted matters of concern
, Question 7.
suicide rates
Correct Answer: IV users: 14x higher general population: 10x higher lowest for
African American women & highest for American Indian and Alaskan Native
males
Question 8.
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)
Correct Answer: 67 clinical obvious & subtle items to detect truth when
individuals are unwilling or unable to acknowledge problem; <15 mins to
complete
Question 9.
Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
Correct Answer: alcohol screening tests available but no tools for truth
Question 10.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Correct Answer: quick & simple tool to ID substances for at-risk levels for those
already experiencing substance use issues; no tools for truth
Question 11.
Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
Correct Answer: tool for assessment & tx planning (NOT screening)
Question 12.
readiness to change
Correct Answer: -clients who perceive the need for help w/ the process of
change & when other options are perceived as comparatively less attractive
-NOT always rock bottom; can also be motivated by external pressures -client
and family's level of emotional pain
Question 13.
Chemical Use, Abuse And Dependence (CUAD) Scale
Correct Answer: used in ax; derives a DSM dx of substance disorder; brief 5-30
min interview and requires little training. known for mentally ill pop'ns
(2026-2027)
Question 1.
genetic risk
Correct Answer: up to 50%; higher in heroin (40-60% overall)
Question 2.
cocaine neurotransmitters
Correct Answer: primary buildup of dopamine (also serotonin and
norepinephrine); people deficient in serotonin are at risk
Question 3.
nootropics
Correct Answer: drugs designed to boost cognitive performance ex: Adderall,
Provigil (sleep disorders), amphetamine
Question 4.
cocaine abuse
Correct Answer: 1. experimental use
2. compulsive use
3. dysfunctional use -arterial constriction & hardening leads to cardiac
arrest/stroke
Question 5.
anabolic steroids
Correct Answer: -engage both opioid and dopamine neurotransmission systems
-just as addictive as caffeine, nicotine, and benzos -withdrawal appears like
cocaine (insomnia, headaches, restlessness, poor libido, dysphoria)
Question 6.
screening & assessment
Correct Answer: screening: looking to determine if a problem exists assessment:
more thorough for targeted matters of concern
, Question 7.
suicide rates
Correct Answer: IV users: 14x higher general population: 10x higher lowest for
African American women & highest for American Indian and Alaskan Native
males
Question 8.
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)
Correct Answer: 67 clinical obvious & subtle items to detect truth when
individuals are unwilling or unable to acknowledge problem; <15 mins to
complete
Question 9.
Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
Correct Answer: alcohol screening tests available but no tools for truth
Question 10.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Correct Answer: quick & simple tool to ID substances for at-risk levels for those
already experiencing substance use issues; no tools for truth
Question 11.
Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
Correct Answer: tool for assessment & tx planning (NOT screening)
Question 12.
readiness to change
Correct Answer: -clients who perceive the need for help w/ the process of
change & when other options are perceived as comparatively less attractive
-NOT always rock bottom; can also be motivated by external pressures -client
and family's level of emotional pain
Question 13.
Chemical Use, Abuse And Dependence (CUAD) Scale
Correct Answer: used in ax; derives a DSM dx of substance disorder; brief 5-30
min interview and requires little training. known for mentally ill pop'ns
