Course Description
Diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of substance use, and other addictive behaviors will be addressed through biological, psychological, and family science theories. Emphasizing a holistic, person-centered approach, it covers stigma, ethics, and cultural factors, equipping students with practical skills to support individuals and families in clinical, community, and healthcare settings.
Athena Title
Substance Use and Addictve Beh
Prerequisite
(HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H) and HDFS 3000
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will apply key concepts, theories, and evidenced-based practices in behavioral health within the context of the prevention and intervention of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors.
- Students will understand the biological, psychological, social, and other contextual factors that contribute to the development, progression, prevention, and intervention of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors in individuals and families.
- Students will develop ethical practices based on awareness of social stigma and cultural considerations, grounded in holistic person-centered approaches that support individuals and families through their journey towards long-term health.
- Students will strengthen your professional skills in clinical and community settings to address behavioral health needs and challenges related to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors in order to support individuals and their families.
Topical Outline
- Prevention and early intervention strategies with individuals and families
- Define substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors (e.g., diagnostic criteria, risk factors, etc.)
- Familial, cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors of substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and recovery
- Discuss social narratives, assumptions, and expectations around substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and recovery
- Practice creating a nonjudgmental, supportive therapeutic environment
- Ethical challenges in the treatment of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors (e.g., confidentiality, client autonomy, informed consent, etc.)
- Effective prevention programs and strategies for at-risk populations, including (e.g., adolescents , individuals with trauma histories, those with family histories of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors)
- Early intervention and screening (e.g., reducing the long-term impact of substance use disorders, other addictive behaviors, family and community-based initiatives, policy-level interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of addiction and promoting behavioral health, etc.)
- Practical communication and counseling skills for working with clients and families dealing with substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and behavioral health issues
- Ethical decision-making and cultural humility in client and family interactions
- Reflective practices to assess and improve one's clinical competencies when working with individuals affected by substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors
