This course provides an in-depth exploration of substance use disorders, examining both historical perspectives and contemporary implications of addiction in American society, including considerations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students will study the basic pharmacology of alcohol and other drugs while analyzing addiction within broader social, cultural, political, and economic frameworks. The course will emphasize assessment criteria, evidence-based treatment methodologies, and recovery strategies.
1. Explain a variety of models and theories of the problems and issues leading to substance abuse and addiction.
2. Analyze the approaches to address the prevention, intervention and evidence-based models to treatment, support, and recovery of addictions.
3. Describe the nature and scope of basic drug effects and categories of psychoactive substances and compulsive behaviors on the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects on the person using, significant others, and community.
4. Evaluate culturally relevant factors that increase the likelihood for an individual, vulnerable population, community or group to be at-risk for, or resilient to, psychoactive substance use disorders and the impact upon the evolution of social drug use policy.
5. Identify unique drug trends and treatment needs of special populations (e.g., veterans, the disabled, elderly, adolescents)
6. Assess substance use disorders and other co-occurring disorders including mental illness and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, sex, social media, etc.)
IO1 Communication: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
1. Introduction to addiction and addiction treatment
2. Disease, choice, and public health models of explaining addiction; including continuum of use and epidemiology.
3. Basic chemistry and physiology of alcohol and other commonly abused substances.
4. Behavioral, psychological, physical, and social effects of addiction on the individual using, significant others, and the community.
5. Six dimensions of assessment criteria and various treatment approaches.
6. Treatment approaches to substance use disorders among specialized populations, including those protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ethnic minorities, veterans, and aging individuals.
7. Social/cultural norms and values regarding alcohol and other abused substances, especially in the context of social substance use.
8. Types and significance of co-occurring disorders.
9. Research current and emerging trends on drugs, alcohol, and addictions.