Maryland Addiction Counselor LGADC
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
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1. A client diagnosed with opioid use disorder reports alternating periods
of abstinence and relapse. Which stage of change in the
Transtheoretical Model best describes this pattern?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Maintenance
D. Relapse
Correct answer: D. Relapse. This stage reflects a return to substance use
after a period of abstinence and is commonly considered part of the cyclical
nature of behavior change rather than failure.
2. A counselor working under Maryland LGADC guidelines must primarily
practice under which condition?
A. Independent private practice without supervision
B. Supervision by an approved alcohol and drug clinical supervisor
C. Self-directed clinical authority without oversight
D. Peer consultation only
,Correct answer: B. LGADC practice requires supervision by an approved
clinical supervisor as the counselor works toward full independent
licensure.
3. Which neurotransmitter system is most directly associated with the
brain’s reward pathway in substance use disorders?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Serotonin
Correct answer: B. Dopamine is central to the mesolimbic reward pathway
and is strongly implicated in reinforcement of addictive behaviors.
4. A client minimizes the consequences of heavy drinking and insists “it’s
not a problem.” This is best described as:
A. Projection
B. Denial
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
Correct answer: B. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality or the
severity of a problem, commonly seen in substance use disorders.
5. Which is the primary purpose of motivational interviewing (MI)?
A. Confront client resistance aggressively
B. Provide direct behavioral instruction
C. Enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. Diagnose psychiatric disorders
Correct answer: C. MI is designed to strengthen internal motivation and
resolve ambivalence about behavior change.
6. Which screening tool is commonly used to assess alcohol misuse
severity?
, A. MMPI-2
B. AUDIT
C. BDI-II
D. WAIS-IV
Correct answer: B. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is
widely used for identifying risky drinking patterns.
7. A counselor documents that a client meets criteria for tolerance and
withdrawal. These symptoms are most associated with:
A. Behavioral addiction only
B. Physical dependence
C. Cognitive distortion
D. Social learning
Correct answer: B. Tolerance and withdrawal are hallmark features of
physical dependence on a substance.
8. Which ethical principle requires counselors to avoid dual relationships
that may impair judgment?
A. Justice
B. Fidelity
C. Autonomy
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct answer: D. Nonmaleficence requires avoiding harm, including harm
that may arise from compromised professional boundaries.
9. A client in early recovery is most likely to experience cravings due to:
A. Increased serotonin production
B. Conditioned cues and environmental triggers
C. Permanent brain healing
D. Lack of insight only
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A client diagnosed with opioid use disorder reports alternating periods
of abstinence and relapse. Which stage of change in the
Transtheoretical Model best describes this pattern?
A. Precontemplation
B. Contemplation
C. Maintenance
D. Relapse
Correct answer: D. Relapse. This stage reflects a return to substance use
after a period of abstinence and is commonly considered part of the cyclical
nature of behavior change rather than failure.
2. A counselor working under Maryland LGADC guidelines must primarily
practice under which condition?
A. Independent private practice without supervision
B. Supervision by an approved alcohol and drug clinical supervisor
C. Self-directed clinical authority without oversight
D. Peer consultation only
,Correct answer: B. LGADC practice requires supervision by an approved
clinical supervisor as the counselor works toward full independent
licensure.
3. Which neurotransmitter system is most directly associated with the
brain’s reward pathway in substance use disorders?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Serotonin
Correct answer: B. Dopamine is central to the mesolimbic reward pathway
and is strongly implicated in reinforcement of addictive behaviors.
4. A client minimizes the consequences of heavy drinking and insists “it’s
not a problem.” This is best described as:
A. Projection
B. Denial
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
Correct answer: B. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality or the
severity of a problem, commonly seen in substance use disorders.
5. Which is the primary purpose of motivational interviewing (MI)?
A. Confront client resistance aggressively
B. Provide direct behavioral instruction
C. Enhance intrinsic motivation for change
D. Diagnose psychiatric disorders
Correct answer: C. MI is designed to strengthen internal motivation and
resolve ambivalence about behavior change.
6. Which screening tool is commonly used to assess alcohol misuse
severity?
, A. MMPI-2
B. AUDIT
C. BDI-II
D. WAIS-IV
Correct answer: B. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is
widely used for identifying risky drinking patterns.
7. A counselor documents that a client meets criteria for tolerance and
withdrawal. These symptoms are most associated with:
A. Behavioral addiction only
B. Physical dependence
C. Cognitive distortion
D. Social learning
Correct answer: B. Tolerance and withdrawal are hallmark features of
physical dependence on a substance.
8. Which ethical principle requires counselors to avoid dual relationships
that may impair judgment?
A. Justice
B. Fidelity
C. Autonomy
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct answer: D. Nonmaleficence requires avoiding harm, including harm
that may arise from compromised professional boundaries.
9. A client in early recovery is most likely to experience cravings due to:
A. Increased serotonin production
B. Conditioned cues and environmental triggers
C. Permanent brain healing
D. Lack of insight only
