Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

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What is the MOST likely cause of depression in a client who has been cocaine dependent and has abstained for three days?

Withdrawal symptoms
Underlying mental health issues
Social isolation
Financial problems

The correct answer is: Withdrawal symptoms

The most likely cause of depression in a client who has been cocaine dependent and has recently abstained for three days is withdrawal symptoms. When a person stops using cocaine after a period of dependence, they can experience a range of withdrawal effects, one of which is a significant depressive state. Cocaine alters the brain's chemistry and creates a cycle of euphoria followed by a crash when the drug is not present. After only a few days of abstinence, the brain begins to adjust to functioning without cocaine, which can lead to feelings of sadness, anhedonia, and other depressive symptoms as the body and mind respond to the absence of the stimulant effects of the drug. While underlying mental health issues, social isolation, and financial problems can contribute to depression, in this case, the immediate context of recent substance withdrawal takes precedence as a likely primary cause. Withdrawal syndrome is a well-documented phenomenon associated with substance use disorders and often includes depressive symptoms, differentiating it from purely situational or chronic issues that may not manifest as quickly after cessation of drug use.