Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

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Prepare for the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) exam with our comprehensive practice resources, including quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence for the test.

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What occurs first in the process of addiction?

Physiological addiction
Psychological addiction
Tolerance builds up
Detoxification

The correct answer is: Psychological addiction

In the process of addiction, psychological addiction typically occurs first. This initial phase involves the emotional and mental components of addiction, including cravings and compulsive behavior toward the substance or activity. During this stage, individuals may develop a strong attachment or desire for the substance, often using it to cope with stress, emotions, or environmental factors. This psychological dependency lays the groundwork for physiological addiction to develop later. As the individual continues to engage in substance use, their body may start to adapt, leading to changes in brain chemistry and the eventual emergence of tolerance, where increasing amounts of the substance are needed to achieve the same effects. Understanding this sequence is crucial for addiction treatment, as addressing psychological aspects is essential for effective recovery. It is important to note that while detoxification and the development of physiological addiction are significant parts of the addiction process, they generally follow the establishment of psychological addiction.