CRM Mental Health & Co-Occurring Disorders 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Bipolar disorder in a recovery client is significant because:
- It has no relationship to substance use
- Mood episodes can trigger substance use and complicate recovery (Correct answer)
- It always resolves once the person achieves sobriety
- It prevents clients from participating in peer support
Correct answer: Mood episodes can trigger substance use and complicate recovery
Bipolar disorder's mood swings — both manic and depressive episodes — can trigger substance use and make maintaining recovery more challenging.
Question 2: Anxiety disorders in recovery may initially worsen due to:
- Too many support meetings
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and neurological readjustment after stopping substances (Correct answer)
- Overly supportive recovery mentors
- Improved nutrition in early sobriety
Correct answer: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and neurological readjustment after stopping substances
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can prolong anxiety and mood symptoms for months after acute withdrawal ends as the brain readjusts.
Question 3: A trauma-informed approach in recovery mentorship means:
- Asking clients to detail all traumatic events in the first session
- Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and integrating that understanding into support practices (Correct answer)
- Diagnosing clients with PTSD when substance use is present
- Avoiding any discussion of a client's past
Correct answer: Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and integrating that understanding into support practices
A trauma-informed approach involves recognizing how trauma affects behavior and ensuring services are delivered in a way that avoids re-traumatization.
Question 4: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders co-occur frequently. A recovery mentor should know that:
- ADHD symptoms always disappear in sobriety
- Untreated ADHD can increase impulsivity and risk of relapse (Correct answer)
- ADHD is incompatible with 12-step program participation
- People with ADHD cannot benefit from peer support
Correct answer: Untreated ADHD can increase impulsivity and risk of relapse
Untreated ADHD contributes to impulsivity and executive functioning difficulties that can heighten relapse risk in recovery.
Question 5: When a client describes hearing voices and seeing things that are not there, the CRM should:
- Dismiss it as drug-seeking behavior
- Recognize potential psychotic symptoms and refer to a psychiatrist or mental health professional (Correct answer)
- Assume it is a spiritual experience and encourage prayer
- Document it and wait to see if it resolves on its own
Correct answer: Recognize potential psychotic symptoms and refer to a psychiatrist or mental health professional
Hallucinations may indicate a psychotic disorder or substance-induced psychosis and require prompt evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'stigma' as it relates to mental health and recovery?
- A legal term for involuntary psychiatric holds
- Negative stereotypes and discrimination that discourage help-seeking (Correct answer)
- A formal diagnosis used in psychiatric evaluation
- A peer support skill taught in CRM training
Correct answer: Negative stereotypes and discrimination that discourage help-seeking
Stigma involves negative attitudes and discrimination toward people with mental health or substance use disorders that create barriers to seeking help.
CRM Mental Health & Co-Occurring Disorders 2
Bipolar disorder in a recovery client is significant because: