Course Description
Introduces Social Work students to the field of substance abuse. Provides specific information regarding substance use disorders related to chemical substances and an overview of the policy and practice issues related to working with substance abusers and their families.
Athena Title
Intro to Substance Abuse
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOWK 7120E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• Demonstrate a general understanding of neurobiological, social, and psychological forces in the development and maintenance of addiction. • Describe various theories of addiction and the evolution of substance abuse treatment and their assumptions and identify social forces that influence provision of services. • Demonstrate understanding of the Substance Abuse Continuum of Care model developed by the American Society of Addiction medicine (ASAM) and its relevance to addiction treatment. • Demonstrate introductory familiarity with the clinical application of various modes of treatment to the client’s level of severity regarding Substance Use Disorders. • Develop a working knowledge and sensitivity to issues specific to addictions and diversity, culture, gender, economic level, developmental state, and sexual orientation. • Develop a working knowledge of community-based support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) and their usefulness for addicted persons, their families, and/or significant others. • Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant ethical standards of conduct when working with substance abusing clients and their families. • Understand the interaction of co-occurring problems of mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, and poverty and implications for service delivery. • Demonstrate competence in screening for the presence of substance-related disorders. • Demonstrate beginning competence in understanding the essential elements of assessment and diagnosis of substance-related disorders. • Identify signs and symptoms relative to substance intoxication, substance withdrawal, and substance use disorder. • Demonstrate ability to assist individuals and/or families in determining the appropriate level of intervention based on their needs and available resources.
Topical Outline
• Frameworks for Understanding Addiction • Epidemiology and Etiology: Biological and Psychosocial Issues on Addiction • Policy Context for Addiction and Treatment • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment • Evidence-Based Practices: Motivational Interviewing, Pharmacological Interventions, and Harm Reduction Strategies • The Role of Support Groups and Group Therapy in Recovery • Special Populations and Cultural Competence • Substance Abuse and Trauma • Addiction in Families; Involving the Family in Treatment
Syllabus
Public CV