ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best defines substance use disorder (SUD)?
A. A short-term pattern of casual drug experimentation
B. A chronic condition characterized by impaired control, social impairment, risky
use, and pharmacological effects
C. A legal classification of drug misuse
D. A temporary behavioral disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: SUD is defined clinically as a chronic, relapsing condition involving
impaired control, social problems, risky use, and tolerance/withdrawal.
2. The primary goal of screening in substance use treatment is:
A. To diagnose substance use disorders
B. To identify the presence or risk of problematic substance use
C. To determine treatment success
D. To measure long-term abstinence
Answer: B
Rationale: Screening is brief and designed only to detect risk or possible
problems, not to diagnose.
,3. Which interview technique promotes client-centered change?
A. Confrontation
B. Interrogation
C. Motivational interviewing
D. Advice-giving
Answer: C
Rationale: Motivational interviewing supports autonomy, elicits change talk,
and reduces resistance.
4. Which of the following is a depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
C. LSD
D. Alcohol
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.
5. The first step in the counseling process is typically:
A. Treatment planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation of progress
D. Case management
Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the foundation for determining needs and planning
appropriate treatment.
,6. A client shows tremors, sweating, and anxiety after stopping alcohol. This
indicates:
A. Stimulant intoxication
B. Alcohol withdrawal
C. Hallucinogen toxicity
D. Cannabis overdose
Answer: B
Rationale: Tremors, anxiety, and autonomic symptoms are classic alcohol
withdrawal signs.
7. In motivational interviewing, “rolling with resistance” means:
A. Arguing until the client agrees
B. Ignoring resistance
C. Accepting resistance and guiding discussion without confrontation
D. Ending the session
Answer: C
Rationale: Rolling with resistance avoids confrontation and helps clients explore
ambivalence.
8. Which is an example of a harm reduction strategy?
A. Mandatory abstinence
B. Providing sterile syringes
C. Enforced detoxification
D. Arresting drug users
Answer: B
Rationale: Harm reduction focuses on reducing negative consequences, not
requiring abstinence.
, 9. Which drug classification includes heroin?
A. Stimulants
B. Depressants
C. Opioids
D. Hallucinogens
Answer: C
Rationale: Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid.
10. A treatment plan should be:
A. Vague and flexible
B. Written by staff only
C. Individualized and measurable
D. The same for all clients
Answer: C
Rationale: Effective treatment plans must be specific, client-centered,
measurable, and attainable.
11. Which of the following is a sign of opioid intoxication?
A. Dilated pupils
B. Increased heart rate
C. Constricted pupils
D. Hallucinations
Answer: C
Rationale: Opioid intoxication typically causes pinpoint (constricted) pupils.
12. The primary purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment is to:
A. Diagnose medical disorders only
B. Explore biological, psychological, and social contributors to substance use
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best defines substance use disorder (SUD)?
A. A short-term pattern of casual drug experimentation
B. A chronic condition characterized by impaired control, social impairment, risky
use, and pharmacological effects
C. A legal classification of drug misuse
D. A temporary behavioral disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: SUD is defined clinically as a chronic, relapsing condition involving
impaired control, social problems, risky use, and tolerance/withdrawal.
2. The primary goal of screening in substance use treatment is:
A. To diagnose substance use disorders
B. To identify the presence or risk of problematic substance use
C. To determine treatment success
D. To measure long-term abstinence
Answer: B
Rationale: Screening is brief and designed only to detect risk or possible
problems, not to diagnose.
,3. Which interview technique promotes client-centered change?
A. Confrontation
B. Interrogation
C. Motivational interviewing
D. Advice-giving
Answer: C
Rationale: Motivational interviewing supports autonomy, elicits change talk,
and reduces resistance.
4. Which of the following is a depressant?
A. Cocaine
B. Methamphetamine
C. LSD
D. Alcohol
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.
5. The first step in the counseling process is typically:
A. Treatment planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation of progress
D. Case management
Answer: B
Rationale: Assessment is the foundation for determining needs and planning
appropriate treatment.
,6. A client shows tremors, sweating, and anxiety after stopping alcohol. This
indicates:
A. Stimulant intoxication
B. Alcohol withdrawal
C. Hallucinogen toxicity
D. Cannabis overdose
Answer: B
Rationale: Tremors, anxiety, and autonomic symptoms are classic alcohol
withdrawal signs.
7. In motivational interviewing, “rolling with resistance” means:
A. Arguing until the client agrees
B. Ignoring resistance
C. Accepting resistance and guiding discussion without confrontation
D. Ending the session
Answer: C
Rationale: Rolling with resistance avoids confrontation and helps clients explore
ambivalence.
8. Which is an example of a harm reduction strategy?
A. Mandatory abstinence
B. Providing sterile syringes
C. Enforced detoxification
D. Arresting drug users
Answer: B
Rationale: Harm reduction focuses on reducing negative consequences, not
requiring abstinence.
, 9. Which drug classification includes heroin?
A. Stimulants
B. Depressants
C. Opioids
D. Hallucinogens
Answer: C
Rationale: Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid.
10. A treatment plan should be:
A. Vague and flexible
B. Written by staff only
C. Individualized and measurable
D. The same for all clients
Answer: C
Rationale: Effective treatment plans must be specific, client-centered,
measurable, and attainable.
11. Which of the following is a sign of opioid intoxication?
A. Dilated pupils
B. Increased heart rate
C. Constricted pupils
D. Hallucinations
Answer: C
Rationale: Opioid intoxication typically causes pinpoint (constricted) pupils.
12. The primary purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment is to:
A. Diagnose medical disorders only
B. Explore biological, psychological, and social contributors to substance use
