Practice Exam Questions And Correct

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Question 1: Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's

reward system and is commonly linked to addiction?

• Serotonin
• Dopamine

C. GABA

• Acetylcholine

Rationale: Dopamine plays a central role in the brain's reward pathway,

reinforcing behaviors such as drug use, making it a key factor in addiction.

• / 4

Question 2: Which stage of change in the Transtheoretical Model involves

the client actively modifying their behavior?

• Precontemplation
• Contemplation
• Action
• Maintenance

Rationale: During the Action stage, individuals implement specific

strategies to change behavior and actively work toward recovery goals.

Question 3: Motivational Interviewing primarily aims to:

• Confront denial aggressively
• Enhance intrinsic motivation to change
• Prescribe coping strategies
• Enforce abstinence

Rationale: Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring ambivalence

and eliciting the client’s own motivation to change rather than using confrontation.

Question 4: Which of the following is considered a depressant substance?

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine 2 / 4

• Alcohol
• Nicotine

Rationale: Depressants slow the central nervous system; alcohol is a

commonly used CNS depressant.

Question 5: What is the primary goal of relapse prevention therapy?

• Treat co-occurring mental disorders
• Enforce abstinence through external monitoring
• Identify and manage triggers and high-risk situations
• Replace substance use with other addictions

Rationale: Relapse prevention focuses on recognizing triggers, developing

coping strategies, and maintaining long-term recovery.

Question 6: A client with a history of alcohol use presents with tremors,

anxiety, and nausea after stopping drinking. This is most consistent with:

• Intoxication
• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Korsakoff syndrome

Rationale: These are classic symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can

occur after abrupt cessation in dependent individuals.

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Question 7: The primary purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment is to:

• Diagnose psychiatric disorders only
• Gather comprehensive information about a client’s biological,

psychological, and social functioning

• Prescribe medication
• Measure IQ and cognitive ability

Rationale: A biopsychosocial assessment evaluates all aspects of a client’s

life to inform treatment planning and support recovery.

Question 8: In group counseling, the “here-and-now” approach focuses on:

• Past traumas
• Planning for the future
• Interactions and behaviors occurring within the group session
• Homework assignments

Rationale: The here-and-now approach emphasizes addressing issues as

they arise in the group setting, promoting immediate insight and feedback.

Question 9: Which of the following is a common sign of opioid intoxication?

• Hyperactivity and insomnia
• Pinpoint pupils and drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
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