CADAC Test Preparation

Domain I: Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders

• Recognize how addiction effects the brain (e.g., disease model, reward pathways, tolerance, and cravings)
• Identify risk factors for developing substance use disorders (e.g., trauma, family history)
• Identify behavior, patterns, and progressive stages of substance use disorders
• Differentiate among common substances of abuse and their characteristics
• Pharmacology (e.g., drug classifications, interactions, cross-tolerance)
• Signs and symptoms of intoxication and overdose
• Stages and symptoms of withdrawal
• Physiological, psychological, and social effects
• Identify signs and symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions
• Identify signs and symptoms of co-occurring medical conditions (e.g., cirrhosis, respiratory deficits, sexually transmitted infections)

Domain II: Screening, Assessment, and Engagement

• Utilize established interviewing techniques (e.g., Motivational interviewing, probing, questioning)
• Utilize established screening and assessment methods and instruments (e.g., ASI, ACE, SASSI)
• Identify methods and interpret results from drug and alcohol testing
• Utilize established diagnostic criteria for evaluating substance use (i.e., DSM)
• Assemble a comprehensive client biopsychosocial history (e.g., health, family, employment, collateral sources)
• Determine the course of action to meet the individual's immediate and ongoing needs
• Determine level of care based on placement criteria

Domain III: Counseling, Collaboration, and Referral

• Demonstrate practicing and responding to verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  
  • Learning styles
  • Communication styles(e.g.,person-centered language)
• Recognize methods and opportunities to build rapport with clients
• Review client's patterns and methods of use
• Recognize and respond to emergency/crisis events (e.g., de-escalation)
• Recognize when to utilize and how to facilitate referrals for clients (e.g., case management, follow up)
• Identify and respond to concerns related to specific populations (e.g., LGBTQ+, pregnancy, youth, justice-involved, housing insecure)
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team, other professionals, and client supports (e.g., family) to determine and provide care
• Recognize the relationship between substance use and trauma
  
  • Effect on client (e.g., adverse childhood experiences, domestic violence)
  • Effect on counselor (e.g., vicarious trauma, burnout)
• Utilize methods to address client ambivalence or resistance to change
• Utilize best practices in developing and updating a treatment plan
  
  • Goals and objectives
  • Strategies and interventions (e.g., relapse prevention, coping skills)
  • Identify available resources to meet client needs
  • Utilize counseling approaches specific to group sessions
    
    • Structured curriculum and process
    • Group dynamics and cohesiveness
    • Recognize elements of discharge planning
    • Explore multiple pathways of recovery (e.g., MAT, holistic health, support groups)
    • Utilize methods and techniques for providing feedback (e.g., reflection, reframing, clarification)
    • Recognize when to terminate the counseling process
    • Adhere to established professional codes of ethics and standards to uphold client rights.
    • Provide culturally-sensitive services that recognize the uniqueness of the individual.
    • Continue professional development through education, self‐evaluation, clinical
    • Identify and evaluate client needs that are outside of the counselor's ethical scope
    • Uphold client's rights to privacy and confidentiality according to best
    • Obtain written consent to release information from the client and/or legal
    • Prepare concise, clinically accurate, and objective reports and records.

  Domain IV: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities