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Addiction Counselor Mock Interview

Question 1 of 30 for our Addiction Counselor Mock Interview

Addiction Counselor was updated by on June 8th, 2017. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 30

If you were to teach a counseling intern regarding signs to observe for that may indicate signs of drug abuse, what would you tell them?

"If I were to spend time with a counseling intern and try to educate him on signs of possible drug abuse, I would tell them that anything that seems 'out of character' for the client would be something to pay attention to. For instance, a client who is normally quiet and has a reserved personality, but who is suddenly easily agitated or aggressive would be an example. Also, if the client seems paranoid when he is normally not remarkably wary of others, these are a few signs to be aware of."

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How to Answer: If you were to teach a counseling intern regarding signs to observe for that may indicate signs of drug abuse, what would you tell them?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Counselor job interview.

  • 1. If you were to teach a counseling intern regarding signs to observe for that may indicate signs of drug abuse, what would you tell them?

      How to Answer

      Anyone who has worked with substance abuse for any length of time will likely tell you that addicts learn to hide or mask signs of substance use. Being able to learn skills that will help detect the use of illegal substances, or relapse, in a client is a vital skill of counselors. The interviewer wants to know that you are familiar with the most common signs and are able to tell someone new in this field what to look for.

      Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018

      Entry Level

      "Some of the easiest signs that I would tell a counseling intern are when a client seems fearful for no reason or who lacks motivation, especially with regard to things that you used to be of interest to him."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "If I were to spend time with a counseling intern and try to educate him on signs of possible drug abuse, I would tell them that anything that seems 'out of character' for the client would be something to pay attention to. For instance, a client who is normally quiet and has a reserved personality, but who is suddenly easily agitated or aggressive would be an example. Also, if the client seems paranoid when he is normally not remarkably wary of others, these are a few signs to be aware of."

      Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018

      Experienced

      "While each person abusing drugs may display different signs of using, there are some signs that are commonly seen. Some of the most common are unusual mood swings, poor memory, anxiety and hyperactivity. I always encourage counseling interns to trust their judgment. Especially as we get to know clients, it becomes easier to pick up on things that are not the 'norm' for that client. Further, I like to encourage interns to report any suspected slip or relapse to me right away, as it is best for the client's counselor to address these suspicions with the client."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "There are many signs to indicate drug abuse; acting overly fidgety and/or anxious, abnormal dilation or small pinpoint pupils, bloodshot eyes and/or anything odd or unusual about a known client's behavior or appearance."

      Kristine's Feedback

      Great response. Your knowledge really stands out in this answer. I assisted with the wording to ensure clarity.

      "There are many signs to indicate drug abuse. I would advise the counseling intern to keep an eye out for someone acting overly fidgety or anxious, abnormal dilation or small pinpoint pupils, bloodshot eyes, or anything odd or unusual about a known client's behavior or appearance."

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