Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What typically defines the ambivalence of patients in treatment?

1. Their lack of support systems

2. The influence of dual disorders on their mindset

3. Societal stigmas surrounding addiction

4. Unclear boundaries in therapeutic relationships

The correct answer is: The influence of dual disorders on their mindset

The ambivalence of patients in treatment is often shaped significantly by the influence of dual disorders on their mindset. When individuals are dealing with co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance use issues, the complexities of their experiences can lead to conflicted feelings about treatment and recovery. These dual disorders can create a sense of hopelessness, confusion, and heightened emotional responses, causing patients to waver between the desire to change and the fear of facing their issues. In the context of treating substance use disorders, this ambivalence is a common phenomenon. Patients may find themselves torn between the wish to stop using substances and the fear of facing the challenges associated with sobriety, especially when mental health issues complicate their understanding of their addiction. Thus, recognizing and addressing these dual disorders becomes essential for counselors in helping patients navigate their ambivalence. Other factors such as lack of support systems, societal stigmas, or unclear boundaries in therapeutic relationships can contribute to a patient's struggle in treatment, but the interplay of dual disorders is a pivotal factor that directly influences a patient's mindset and their fluctuating commitment to recovery.