SOWK 615: Substance Abuse and Dependency
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3)
This course examines current theories and models pertaining to substance abuse and chemical dependency. It explores intervention and treatment techniques for working with chemically dependent individuals and their families, with an emphasis on diverse populations. The course integrates theory and practice skill to teach students to critically examine the clinical issues involved in substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment. Mental Health emphasis area.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Thematic Outline of the content of the Course
I. Introduction
A. Historical overview of the alcohol and drug problem in the United States
1. Current and past theories of chemical dependency
2. Stages of the addictive process
II. Categories of drugs and their effects
A. Assessment: DSM IV criteria
B. Treatment Issues
C. Dual Diagnosis
D. Recovery, relapse prevention, family dynamics
III. Population groups
A. Cultural competence and sensitivity
B. Adult children of alcoholic/addictive parents; NA; A1-Anon
C. HIV/AIDS and substance abuse
Detailed description of content of the course
This course includes theories and models of substance abuse and information on assessment, diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and relapse prevention. The course examines family dynamics in chemically dependent families and the high rate of substance abuse/dependency in the lesbian/gay population and other populations including women and other diverse communities.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goals: This course is intended as an introductory graduate level immersion in domain of substance abuse for community-based family social workers. It covers the knowledge base (theories and models), skill repertoires, and values that are foundational for direct practice.
Objectives: Having completed this course students will be able to:
Assessment Measures
Class participation, student presentations and/or research paper, examination
Other Course Information
Bibliography of readings relevant to the course. Students are required to attend an open Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting.
Review and Approval
February 2000 New course proposal