Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What must be done before treating a client with mental health problems in addiction counseling?

1. Stabilize them before any addictions treatment

2. Refer them to family counseling first

3. Wait for a period of monitoring

4. Assess them for substance use only

The correct answer is: Stabilize them before any addictions treatment

In addiction counseling, the first step before treating a client with mental health problems is to stabilize them. Stabilization involves ensuring that the client is in a safe and secure condition, which can include managing any acute psychological crises, ensuring that they are medically stable, and addressing any immediate threats to their well-being. This is essential because mental health problems can significantly impair a client’s ability to engage in and benefit from addiction treatment. Treating addiction without first addressing mental health issues may lead to poor outcomes, as unresolved psychological concerns can impact motivation, engagement, and the ability to participate in treatment fully. Stabilization serves as a foundation for effective treatment, allowing clients to be in a state where they can better focus on recovery from their substance use issues. While referring to family counseling, monitoring, or substance use assessment are important components of a comprehensive treatment approach, they typically follow after the initial stabilization phase, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing the client's immediate safety and mental health stability before tackling addiction-related issues.