CADC - Certification Prep and Alcohol and Drug Counselor Professional & Ethical Responsibilities Questions and Answers

Question 1

A CADC is working with a client who reports having thoughts of harming their ex-spouse.
The client has not specified a plan but expresses intense anger.
According to the principle of "duty to warn," what is the counselor's most critical ethical and legal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor and document the threat, while assessing the imminence and specificity of the danger.

Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality as required by 42 CFR Part 2.

Answer

Immediately terminate the client to avoid liability.

Answer

Call the police and the ex-spouse immediately based on the client's expression of anger.

Question 2

The federal regulations that establish a high standard of confidentiality for all records relating to patients in federally assisted substance use disorder programs are known as:

Accepted Answer

42 CFR Part 2

Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

The Tarasoff Act

Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Question 3

Which of the following is an essential component of the informed consent process for a new client entering substance use counseling?

Accepted Answer

A clear explanation of the limits of confidentiality, including mandated reporting.

Answer

A guarantee that the client will achieve sobriety.

Answer

The counselor's personal opinion on the best treatment modality.

Answer

A detailed biography of the counselor's professional experience.

Question 4

A counselor in recovery attends the same 12-step meetings as a current client. To manage this potential dual relationship ethically, the counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Establish clear boundaries, prioritize the client's anonymity, and seek supervision.

Answer

Act as the client's sponsor to provide extra support.

Answer

Avoid sharing at meetings when the client is present.

Answer

Immediately refer the client to another counselor to avoid any interaction.

Question 5

A client offers a CADC a small, handmade item worth very little money as a thank-you gift near the end of their treatment. According to ethical guidelines, what is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the potential for it to alter the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Refuse the gift and document that the client attempted to blur boundaries.

Answer

Accept the gift and immediately offer the client a gift in return.

Answer

Immediately report the client to a supervisor for inappropriate behavior.

Question 6

A CADC realizes that a client's needs for co-occurring severe depression are beyond their professional scope of practice. The counselor's primary ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Make an appropriate referral to a qualified mental health professional while continuing to provide substance use counseling as appropriate.

Answer

Continue treating the substance use disorder and ignore the depression.

Answer

Attempt to treat the depression by reading books on the topic.

Answer

Terminate the relationship with the client immediately.