CATC study plan

Map the Domain 1 blueprint into a topic checklist weighted by the 50% share

Define the four DSM-5-TR substance use disorder criteria groupings and state the threshold count for a diagnosis

Write plain-language definitions for tolerance, withdrawal, craving, and remission without looking them up

Build a spaced-repetition deck of 40 terms tagged by Domain 1 subtopic

Sequence the stages of change and match three counselor tasks to each stage

Contrast motivational interviewing spirit and techniques with confrontational approaches

Draft two practice scenarios where a client is in precontemplation and script a response for each

Explain the transtheoretical model's limits in one paragraph

Describe the biopsychosocial model and list three biological, three psychological, and three social risk factors

Summarize how the brain reward pathway is affected by repeated substance use in six sentences

Differentiate physical dependence from addiction using two contrasting client vignettes

Identify three co-occurring disorders and state why integrated treatment is preferred

Outline the continuum of care levels and match each to a client severity profile

List the core elements of a treatment plan and write one sample plan for a fictional client

Explain the purpose of screening versus assessment and name two instruments for each

Identify three relapse-prevention strategies and the warning-sign chain they interrupt

Map the Domain 2 blueprint into a checklist of law and ethics subtopics weighted at 50%

Write the confidentiality rule and its exceptions in your own words from memory

Define informed consent, duty to warn, and scope of practice with one example each

Draft a list of five boundary-crossing scenarios and label each as acceptable or prohibited with a reason

Explain the purpose and limits of 42 CFR Part 2 protections and how they differ from general health privacy rules

Describe when a court order can compel disclosure of substance use treatment records

Summarize mandated reporting obligations and the conditions that trigger them

Build a decision tree for responding to a records request from an attorney

Integrate ethics scenarios with clinical content by writing two vignettes that require both legal and treatment knowledge

Resolve each vignette using a documented ethical decision-making model

Identify three areas where clinical best practice and legal requirements intersect

Review flagged weak subtopics from weeks 1 through 6 and rewrite corrected notes for each

Take two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed item by domain

Re-teach the five weakest subtopics aloud or in writing without notes

Consolidate a one-page mixed-domain cheat sheet from your corrected notes

Set a test-day plan covering timing, flagging strategy, and rest