Biopsychology Quiz: Brain Function

ICCE CREDENTIALING EXAMINATIONS

• This study guide is designed to prepare addiction professionals for the International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP) credentials.
• It covers the four domains of ICAP examination at three levels (ICAP I, II, and III).
• Special thanks provided to Dr. Shanthi Ranganathan, Dr. V. Thirumagal, Mr. Tay Bian How, Ms. Winona Pandan, Ms. Susmita Banerjee, and Ms. Nimalka De Silva.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances
• Chapter 3: Theoretical Base of Counselling
• Chapter 4: Special Populations – Issues for Discussion and Co-occurring Mental and Medical Disorders
• Chapter 5: Counselling Practice
• Chapter 6: Professional Issues
• Chapter 7: Sample Test Questions

Chapter 1 - Introduction

• Colombo Plan: Established in 1950, it's an inter-governmental organization improving the socioeconomic advancement of member countries.
• ICCE: The Colombo Plan International Centre for Credentialing and Education of Addiction Professionals was established in February 2009.
• Key details of the ICAP credentials and requirements.
• Benefits of being credentialed
• Program administration
• Eligibility criteria for each ICAP level (ICAP I, II, and III)

Chapter 2 - Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances

• Psychoactive Substances (PAS): Substances affecting the central nervous system, including both legal and illegal drugs, designer drugs, and some medications.
• Legal Drugs: Examples include alcohol and tobacco, and the potential for SUD with use of these.
• Illegal/Illicit Drugs: Includes categories like opioids, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and others specifying each.
• Conventions: Details on international conventions (like the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs) for controlling psychoactive substances.
• Drug Classification: The different categories of psychoactive substances (e.g., Opioids, Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, others) and their characteristics.
• Brain and Substance Use: Covers the neurobiological mechanisms of drug action, including the nervous system (CNS), central nervous system (CNS) including the brain, and its peripheral parts, different stages of brain development, and the impact different parts of the brain have on behaviour, like reward systems and the significance of neurotransmitters in drug effects.

Chapter 3 - Theoretical Base of Counselling

• Psychoanalytic theory: Personality development through stages, influenced by unconscious needs and past experiences. Discusses defenses & transference.
• Adlerian theory: Focuses on individual choice and responsibility in shaping one's personality. Emphasis on the concept of social interest and the 'style of life.'
• Person-centred therapy: Importance of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. The client is viewed as the expert.
• Gestalt therapy: Focus on 'the now,' addressing present issues and building awareness.
• Behaviour therapy: Emphasizes observable behaviours and using rewards and punishments for reinforcement or managing behaviors.
• Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT): Challenges irrational beliefs and encourages rational thinking.
• Cognitive therapy: Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts.
• Cognitive-behavioural modification (CBM): Combines cognitive and behavioural techniques for self-improvement.
• Reality therapy: Focuses on the present, responsibility, and personal choice.
• Solution-focused brief therapy: Focuses on solutions and resources, rather than the past.
• Family therapy: Understanding & addressing family dynamics in SUD.
• Brief therapy: Approaches in crisis situations, and short-term therapies.

Chapter 4 - Special Populations – Issues for Discussion and Co-occurring Mental and Medical Disorders

• Women: Differences in substance use patterns, risks, treatment needs and social support systems from men.
• Adolescents: Vulnerability and unique characteristics of brain development, social influences, family dynamics.
• LGBT clients: Issues of identity, social stigma, and potential challenges in treatment.
• Clients with blood-borne infections: Risks and challenges with HIV, Hepatitis related to substance use behaviours.
• Elderly: Considerations related to health, medications, social support and family when there's a substance use disorder.
• Trauma and abuse: Impact of trauma history on substance use and treatment approaches.
• Criminal justice system clients: Ethical concerns, legal issues and recovery challenges in prison and community settings.
• Cultural issues: Importance of considering diverse cultures' perspectives on substance use and recovery.
• Client with physical disabilities: Needs and requirements in treatment.
• Co-occurring mental and medical disorders: Categories of mental disorders frequently encountered alongside substance use disorders(e.g., anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders), their symptoms, and the possible interplay between these conditions.

Chapter 5 - Counselling Practice

• Treatment for SUD - the continuum of care: Discusses different treatment settings (e.g., drop-in centers, hospitals, residences).

• Basic Counselling Skills: Includes empathy, self-disclosure, listening, appropriate reactions & interactions, and ethical standards.

• Group-based approaches: Information on group counseling, including facilitation skills and types of groups (e.g., relapse prevention, skill-building, support).

• Case Management: Importance of coordinating services and the elements involved (e.g., assessment, planning, linkages, monitoring, advocacy)

• Crisis intervention: Strategies for acute crisis situations including assessing risk, safety planning, managing emotions, and coordinating with other agencies.

• Intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning and documentation: Key aspects of initial assessment, screening, planning, and documentation relevant to SUD treatment

• Recovery Capital: The term for an individual's personal and community resources and the importance of supporting the client's strengths during the process of recovery.

• Principles of effective drug treatment including the necessity of flexibility, adaptability and multiple needs of the individuals.

• Family psychoeducation: Interventions aiming at supporting family members, by providing support and knowledge about SUD.

• Chapter 6 - Professional Issues*

• Ethics for Addiction Professionals: Important ethical principles and standards as dictated by ethical codes and regulations. Including codes that may apply to addiction professionals, such as confidentiality, responsibility & respect.

• Models for Ethical Decision Making: Models to navigate ethical challenges, such as using ethical decision-making models (e.g., from White & Popovits to Corey, Corey & Callahan models).

• NAADAC Code of Ethics: Details on ethical guidelines of the National Association for Addiction Professionals. Including sections on client welfare, confidentiality, and dual relationships.

• ICCE Code of Ethics: Ethical guidelines developed by the International Centre for Credentialing and Education.

• Supervision: The importance of supervision in training and conducting an ethical practice.

• Drug Testing: The role of drug testing, appropriate procedures including informing the client, confidentiality, and collection procedures.

Chapter 7 - Sample Test Questions

• Includes sample questions across different chapters to aid exam preparation.

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the brain, focusing on the differences between the reptilian and mammalian brains. Explore the role of the brain in decision-making and the impact of psychoactive substances on communication between neurons. This quiz is designed for students interested in biopsychology concepts.