Substance Use Disorder Counseling

(Formerly "Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies") How history, culture, and context frame the social and policy response that enables substance abuse treatment is the focus of this course. The historical, political, economic, and cultural factors contributing to and defining substance abuse problems are examined. These factors are emphasized because they are important, critical, and supplemental contributors to the biological, medical, and disease model definitions of substance abuse. In particular, the differential impact of substance abuse problems in various communities and...

This introductory course covers the theory and philosophy of counseling, the distinction between counseling and psychotherapy, personality types and development, learning theory, and trait theory. Students become involved in the counseling experience and investigate the variables of client, counselor, setting, methods, and expectations, as well as basic theories of client-centered counseling, behavioral counseling, and counseling based on the theory of individual differences. Students learn to handle real-life situations with confidence.

This course focuses on the disease of chemical dependency and corresponding symptoms. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the disease concept of chemical dependency and drugs used to treat it; identify symptoms of different types of chemical dependency; classify and identify major drugs; describe the development and use of psychoactive drugs throughout history; recognize signs of cross-tolerant, addictive, and synergistic effects of drugs; and identify signs of drug toxicity.

This course provides a “deep dive” into the psychological foundations and evidence base for understanding substance use, misuse and recovery. This wholistic approach will not only investigate the mechanistic components of addiction (human chemistry, biology and brain science), but also explore the oft cited spiritual, psychological, and existential dimensions of the addiction experience. Modules will be included that describe in detail the common drugs of abuse and their various properties, as well as the drugs utilized in medication assisted treatment. Attention is paid to treatment...

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern approaches to the delivery of professional substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery services. Students will learn about the service continuum including screening, brief intervention, assessment, treatment modalities, detoxification, case management, recovery support, and relapse prevention. Special attention is paid to special populations, harm reduction and treatment policy. Instruction is complemented by the extensive use of case studies, personal recovery memoirs and treatment problem vignettes.

Counseling is a relationship in which the counselor helps the client mobilize resources to resolve problems or modify attitudes and values. Group counseling is an integral part of that process. This course is presented as a comparative study of counseling theories and practices as applied to groups, introducing major approaches, strategies, and applied skills in group counseling and examining the purpose and function of different types of counseling groups. Students gain awareness of their own personal philosophy of the group process and which approaches are most appropriate to particular...

This course provides a basic differential diagnosis framework for counselors working with a chemically dependent population. It introduces the major psychiatric disorders and how they mirror/interact with substance abuse disorders. Through methods such as case histories and role-playing, participants learn about prevalence, symptoms, assessment, treatment planning, and interventions.

This course presents the individual as well as the societal consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs through an exploration of contemporary patterns of legal and illegal consumption and their health, social, family, economic, legal, and political consequences. Participants analyze the prevalence and complexity of such problems as impaired driving, traumatic injury, alcohol-related birth defects, domestic violence, homelessness, and workplace issues. Participants also have opportunities to debate the treatment and prevention implications suggested by readings and class discussions,...

Substance and Process Use Disorder Treatment has a checkered history, containing a series of harmful and helpful interventions. In this course you will learn this history and how to reduce and avoid related potential harms. You will gain an understanding of ethical, evidence-based, Advanced Intervention skills and practice how to discuss substance use non-judgmentally with clients and their families/loved ones. To assist them in raising their use awareness so they can consider and facilitate behavior change and feel supported (rather than shamed or alienated) through the treatment process....

This course familiarizes students with both legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the practice of substance abuse disorder treatment. Students learn about appropriate roles and behavior to avoid liability and prevent harm to clients. Issues such as confidentiality, duty to treat, responsibility to third parties, ethical decision-making, and legal remedies for discrimination experienced by people in or in need of recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction are explored. This course meets the “legal and ethical responsibilities” provisions of all alcohol and drug counselor...

This course presents a basic crisis intervention model along with appropriate clinical presentations of persons in crisis in a variety of settings, e.g., loss, AIDS and HIV related, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and victimization. Topics include defining crisis, when crisis is a danger, ethical and professional considerations, and use of self in crisis counseling. Students learn about the theory and skills, mental health triage, cultural sensitivity, self-care, community resource information, referrals, and networking.

Use of effective counseling skills enables counselors to communicate with clients effectively, deal with client resistance, and develop enhanced therapeutic relationships. The focus of this three-day workshop is on building productive and results-oriented counseling skills. Participants gain an understanding of the terms associated with basic and advanced counseling characteristics and the components of each, the phases of a counseling session, the limits of confidentiality, and the types of feedback and application of each. In addition, participants have the opportunity to practice...

A field-based, practical experience for the counseling student, who has completed required coursework. Participants work with a chemical dependency or similar agency under the direct supervision of the practicum coordinator or approved supervisor. Students are responsible for obtaining a practicum site with the guidance of the practicum supervisor. Students gain experience and supervision in the core areas required by CCAPP.