ABPN Addiction Psychiatry Board Certification Practice Test
Addiction psychiatry subspecialty certification covering substance use disorders, opioid use disorder treatment, dual diagnosis, and addiction pharmacotherapy. Administered by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Key domains include Alcohol-related disorders, Caffeine-related disorders, Cannabis-related disorders and Forensic issues pertinent to substance use and addictive disorders. The exam consists of 220 questions over 240 minutes.
Sample Questions
Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.
83 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.
A patient with alcohol use disorder repeatedly misses morning appointments because he works nights. The clinic labels him nonadherent and closes the case. Which systems-based change would most directly address the barrier?
A 24-year-old man intoxicated with PCP has rhabdomyolysis after prolonged physical struggle. He is now calmer after benzodiazepines. Which monitoring is most important over the next several hours?
A 71-year-old man drinks two martinis nightly and takes diazepam, oxycodone, and gabapentin. He denies intoxication but has two nighttime falls and mild cognitive slowing. Which counseling point best captures the geriatric addiction risk?
A patient with OUD, chronic pain, and depression sees separate clinicians who do not communicate. He receives overlapping sedatives and opioids. Which systems intervention most directly reduces medication-related risk?
A 31-year-old man taking buprenorphine misses 5 days of doses while traveling and uses fentanyl daily. He returns requesting his prior 24 mg dose immediately. He has mild withdrawal. What is the safest approach?
Why This Certification Opens Doors
Achieving board certification in Addiction Psychiatry has profound real-world impact. It formally designates a psychiatrist as an expert equipped to handle the most challenging cases of substance use disorders, which are often intertwined with other medical and psychiatric conditions. This credential is increasingly required for leadership roles in addiction treatment centers, academic positions, and healthcare system design. It signals to referring physicians, insurers, and patients a deep, verified competency that goes beyond general psychiatry, enabling the certified specialist to implement evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment plans that can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the substantial personal and societal burdens of addiction.