Nevada Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Licensing Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the brain’s
reward pathway and reinforcement of substance use?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s
reward system and is strongly associated with reinforcement and
addiction behaviors.
2. What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in substance use
counseling?
A. To confront denial aggressively
B. To diagnose mental illness
C. To enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. To prescribe medication
Answer: C
Motivational interviewing focuses on increasing a client’s own
motivation and commitment to change by resolving ambivalence.
3. Which stage of change involves a client recognizing a problem but not
yet committing to action?
A. Precontemplation
, B. Contemplation
C. Action
D. Maintenance
Answer: B
In the contemplation stage, individuals acknowledge the problem but
remain ambivalent about making a change.
4. Which of the following is a symptom of opioid withdrawal?
A. Euphoria
B. Constricted pupils
C. Muscle aches
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: C
Muscle aches, along with sweating and agitation, are common
symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
5. What is the main function of the DSM-5 in substance use treatment?
A. To provide medication guidelines
B. To establish legal penalties
C. To classify and diagnose mental disorders
D. To track insurance claims
Answer: C
The DSM-5 provides standardized diagnostic criteria for mental and
substance use disorders.
6. Which approach emphasizes identifying and changing maladaptive
thought patterns?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: B
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on modifying dysfunctional
thoughts and behaviors associated with substance use.
7. What is tolerance in the context of substance use?
A. Emotional dependence on a drug
B. Need for increased amounts to achieve the same effect
C. Withdrawal symptoms after cessation
, D. Refusal to acknowledge addiction
Answer: B
Tolerance occurs when the body requires larger amounts of a
substance to achieve the same effect due to physiological
adaptation.
8. Which federal law protects the confidentiality of substance use
treatment records?
A. HIPAA
B. FERPA
C. 42 CFR Part 2
D. ADA
Answer: C
42 CFR Part 2 specifically protects the confidentiality of substance use
disorder treatment records.
9. What is the first step in the counseling process?
A. Treatment planning
B. Assessment
C. Intake
D. Discharge
Answer: C
The intake process involves gathering initial information and
establishing the client’s entry into treatment.
10. Which term describes continued substance use despite negative
consequences?
A. Abstinence
B. Relapse
C. Dependence
D. Addiction
Answer: D
Addiction involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
11. Which screening tool is commonly used for alcohol use
disorders?
A. PHQ-9
B. AUDIT
C. GAD-7
Licensing Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the brain’s
reward pathway and reinforcement of substance use?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: B
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s
reward system and is strongly associated with reinforcement and
addiction behaviors.
2. What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in substance use
counseling?
A. To confront denial aggressively
B. To diagnose mental illness
C. To enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. To prescribe medication
Answer: C
Motivational interviewing focuses on increasing a client’s own
motivation and commitment to change by resolving ambivalence.
3. Which stage of change involves a client recognizing a problem but not
yet committing to action?
A. Precontemplation
, B. Contemplation
C. Action
D. Maintenance
Answer: B
In the contemplation stage, individuals acknowledge the problem but
remain ambivalent about making a change.
4. Which of the following is a symptom of opioid withdrawal?
A. Euphoria
B. Constricted pupils
C. Muscle aches
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: C
Muscle aches, along with sweating and agitation, are common
symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
5. What is the main function of the DSM-5 in substance use treatment?
A. To provide medication guidelines
B. To establish legal penalties
C. To classify and diagnose mental disorders
D. To track insurance claims
Answer: C
The DSM-5 provides standardized diagnostic criteria for mental and
substance use disorders.
6. Which approach emphasizes identifying and changing maladaptive
thought patterns?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: B
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on modifying dysfunctional
thoughts and behaviors associated with substance use.
7. What is tolerance in the context of substance use?
A. Emotional dependence on a drug
B. Need for increased amounts to achieve the same effect
C. Withdrawal symptoms after cessation
, D. Refusal to acknowledge addiction
Answer: B
Tolerance occurs when the body requires larger amounts of a
substance to achieve the same effect due to physiological
adaptation.
8. Which federal law protects the confidentiality of substance use
treatment records?
A. HIPAA
B. FERPA
C. 42 CFR Part 2
D. ADA
Answer: C
42 CFR Part 2 specifically protects the confidentiality of substance use
disorder treatment records.
9. What is the first step in the counseling process?
A. Treatment planning
B. Assessment
C. Intake
D. Discharge
Answer: C
The intake process involves gathering initial information and
establishing the client’s entry into treatment.
10. Which term describes continued substance use despite negative
consequences?
A. Abstinence
B. Relapse
C. Dependence
D. Addiction
Answer: D
Addiction involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
11. Which screening tool is commonly used for alcohol use
disorders?
A. PHQ-9
B. AUDIT
C. GAD-7
