ICCE Study Guide Overview and Substance Use Risks

A qualification awarded to professionals demonstrating competence in addiction treatment.

A comprehensive guide for addiction professionals preparing for ICCE exams.

The International Center for Credentialing and Education of Addiction Professionals.

The four areas of knowledge tested in the ICAP exam.

Different levels of the ICAP exam, increasing in complexity.

Treatment interventions described in the guide may not represent official ICCE policy.

The study guide should not be used as a substitute for personalized care.

Applicants must have at least 1 year of full-time or 1,500 hours of supervised experience in the drug and alcohol field.

Applicants must pass a public exam with a 9th/10th/11th grade reading level and demonstrate competence in reading and writing.

Candidates who have struggled with substance use disorder must prove at least one year of continuous sobriety.

Applicants must provide written verification of their counseling skills from qualified professionals.

Applicants must document 120 hours of relevant education and training in addiction-related subjects.

Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the ethical practices in the addiction treatment field.

Applicants must pass a standardized exam designed explicitly for ICAP I certification.

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time or 3,000 hours of supervised experience as an addiction treatment professional.

The two years of experience for ICAP II certification don't need to be consecutive.

Drugs that affect the brain and behavior, including legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine, and designer drugs.

Drugs that are legally allowed to be produced, distributed, and consumed.

Drugs that are illegal to produce, distribute, and consume.

Drugs created by altering the chemical structure of illegal drugs to bypass existing drug laws.

Drugs designed to prevent, treat, or enhance physical or mental health.

A condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite negative consequences.

The impact of second-hand smoke on individuals who are not directly using tobacco.

International efforts to regulate the production, trade, and supply of psychoactive substances to reduce the negative impact of substance use.

The severity of punishment for drug offenses varies across countries, with some imposing stricter penalties than others.

The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord, which are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information throughout the body.

These drugs distort or change perceptions dramatically. Examples include LSD.

These drugs are pain relievers, but have a high potential for addiction.

These drugs come from the poppy plant and include opium, morphine, and codeine.

This drug is extracted from the poppy plant and can be smoked or brewed.

This drug is used medically for pain relief and can be injected or taken orally.

Substance use can cause problems beyond addiction, impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, safety, sexual behavior, injection practices, work performance, family relationships, community safety, and overall well-being.

Substance use disorders (SUD) are diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Substance use can lead to a decline in overall health, including specific organ damage and mental health issues.

Substance users might struggle to access healthcare or follow prescribed treatment plans due to their substance use.

Driving or operating machinery under the influence of substances increases the risk of accidents, potentially harming the user and others.

Unprotected sex while under the influence increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections like HIV and Hepatitis.

Sharing non-sterile injection equipment increases the risk of blood-borne infections, including HIV and Hepatitis.

Substance use can negatively impact work performance, leading to decreased productivity and potential job loss.

Substance use can strain family relationships, leading to emotional trauma, domestic violence, and financial instability, affecting both the user and their family.

Substance use can contribute to conflicts, violence, and crime in the community, creating a hazardous environment for everyone.