Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What process helps clients overcome resistance to achieve change in addiction treatment?

1. Therapeutic rapport

2. Process of change understanding

3. Behavior reinforcement

4. Motivational interviewing

The correct answer is: Process of change understanding

The process that effectively helps clients overcome resistance to achieve change in addiction treatment is motivational interviewing. This approach is particularly beneficial in working with clients who may be ambivalent or resistant to change, as it emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and strengthening the individual's intrinsic motivation to change. Motivational interviewing is characterized by a non-confrontational style that encourages clients to express their thoughts and feelings about their substance use and the changes they wish to make. It utilizes open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help clients explore their motivations and identify the discrepancies between their current behavior and their values or goals. By focusing on the client's own reasons for change rather than imposing external pressures, motivational interviewing can effectively reduce resistance and enhance engagement in the treatment process. While building therapeutic rapport is essential for creating a trusting relationship, and understanding the process of change is important for guiding interventions, these elements do not specifically target resistance as effectively as motivational interviewing. Behavior reinforcement might encourage positive actions but does not directly address ambivalence or resistance. Therefore, motivational interviewing stands out as the key process for facilitating changes in clients struggling with addiction.