MAC case studies
MAC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) is an advanced, national-level credential for practitioners who already hold a foundational addictions credential or license and want to demonstrate mastery of the full scope of addiction counseling. Candidates typically include clinical supervisors, program directors, private practitioners, and senior counselors who want portable recognition that goes beyond a single state's licensure tier. The MAC case studies are 5 cases and about 3,643 words.
1The EAP Referral Who Says the AUDIT Was a Joke
Marcus T., 41, is referred by his employer's EAP after he fell asleep at a machine console and was suspended pending evaluation. He tells you he 'drinks a couple of beers on weekends' and that his wife 'has it out for him.' His AUDIT score is 14, but he says he answered 'for effect' because he assumed the EAP would require treatment regardless.
783 words, about 4 min2Detox Only, and a Job Interview in Ten Days
Denise R., 34, has injected illicit fentanyl for three years and has had two overdoses, one reversed with naloxone by a friend five weeks ago. She has no stable housing and stays with a partner who also uses.
728 words, about 4 min3Pregnant, Withdrawing, and Ninety-Five Miles From Care
Aisha K., 26, is 18 weeks pregnant and has used non-prescribed oxycodone daily for two years, recently switching to fentanyl pills. She has been without opioids for 36 hours and is beginning to feel ill.
730 words, about 4 min4The Probation Officer Wants More Than the Release Allows
Ray, 45, is in your intensive outpatient program with bipolar I disorder and alcohol use disorder. He is on probation for a DUI and must submit to random EtG testing and attend three mutual-help meetings weekly.
682 words, about 3 min5'Get Him Off That Crutch'
The parents of 19-year-old Tyler attend a family session. Tyler is six weeks into buprenorphine treatment following a heroin overdose.
720 words, about 4 min