SUD Science & Co-Occurring Disorders
This neurotransmitter pathway is strongly associated with reward and reinforcement in addiction.
What is dopamine (the mesolimbic pathway)?
This is the difference between screening and assessment: screening asks “,” assessment asks “.”
What is “Is there a problem?” vs “What exactly is the problem (severity/needs)?”
A SMART objective must be measurable; “Client will understand triggers” becomes “Client will ____.”
What is identify (list) 3 triggers and 3 coping strategies by next session?
MI micro-skill acronym: OARS stands for ____.
What are Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries?
A client asks you to confirm they’re in treatment to their employer. Before releasing information, you need ____.
What is a proper written release/authorization (informed consent for disclosure)?
When the same amount of a substance produces a smaller effect over time, this is called ____.
What is tolerance?
A client reports last use “yesterday,” but shows tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and anxiety. You’re most concerned about withdrawal from this substance.
What is alcohol (or sedative-hypnotics/benzodiazepines)?
This level-of-care principle matches intensity to severity, risk, and supports to avoid under/over-treatment.
What is the least restrictive level of care that is clinically appropriate?
“You’re torn—part of you wants to stop, and part of you is scared.” This MI skill is a ____.
What is a complex reflection?
This is the best documentation practice: write behavioral, observable facts instead of ____ statements.
What are judgmental/labeling statements (e.g., “manipulative”)?
This term describes continued use despite harm, impaired control, and physiological adaptation (tolerance/withdrawal).
What is a substance use disorder?
LOC recommendations are based on eligibility and continued stay criteria outlined in service definitions and this Clinical Coverage Policy.
What is 8A?
A treatment plan goal is “Improve recovery supports.” The most direct objective uses this: schedule, contact, attend, document.
What is attend 2 mutual-support meetings weekly and document 1 supportive contact daily (or similar measurable steps)?
In CBT, the “A-B-C” model stands for ____.
What are Activating event, Beliefs, Consequences (feelings/behaviors)?
The “minimum necessary” standard means you share only the ____ needed to accomplish the purpose of disclosure.
What is least amount of information?
This effect occurs when two CNS depressants (like alcohol + benzos) are combined, increasing overdose risk beyond either drug alone.
What is synergistic (additive) respiratory/CNS depression?
This is the clinical meaning of “validity” in a screening tool.
What is how accurately the tool measures what it claims to measure (true positives/true negatives)?
When you “warm handoff” to another service, your primary clinical purpose is to increase ____ and reduce ____.
What is engagement/continuity of care and reduce dropout/no-show risk?
In relapse prevention, “HALT” highlights relapse vulnerability linked to these four states.
What are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
This ethical principle means “do no harm.”
What is nonmaleficence?
A client’s panic attacks began after heavy stimulant use; symptoms persist during abstinence but improve over weeks. This diagnostic concept you must consider is ____.
What is substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder vs. primary anxiety disorder (differential diagnosis)?
During assessment, this is the most appropriate next step after a positive screen for trauma symptoms and substance misuse.
What is a comprehensive, integrated assessment for SUD + trauma/co-occurring disorders (with appropriate referrals/safety planning as indicated)?
A client denies problems, but family reports consequences and the client has multiple DUIs. This stage of change is most likely ____.
What is precontemplation (or early contemplation, depending on details)?
***DAILY DOUBLE***
In group counseling, this is the most immediate intervention when one member repeatedly dominates and shames others.
What is redirecting and setting a respectful group norm/boundary while maintaining safety (process comment + limit-setting)?
Dual relationships are risky because they can impair ____ and exploit the ____ imbalance.
What are professional judgment and the power differential?