National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

When a client uses alcohol to manage their sleep, what psychological concept does this illustrate?

1. Positive reinforcement

2. Self-medication

3. Coping mechanism

4. Sedation response

The correct answer is: Self-medication

The scenario in which a client uses alcohol to manage their sleep illustrates the concept of self-medication. This term refers to individuals using substances to cope with psychological or emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties with sleep. In this context, the client is turning to alcohol as a way to alleviate the symptom of insomnia or poor sleep quality. This behavior often stems from a desire to manage distressing feelings or experiences independently. Self-medication can lead to a cycle where the substance use temporarily alleviates the problem but ultimately may worsen the underlying issues and contribute to further complications, including dependency on the substance for sleep. This highlights the complexity of addiction and the need for comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies in counseling. Understanding self-medication can guide treatment approaches, aiming to address not only the substance use but also the psychological factors that contribute to it.