Social Work Practice with Substance Use Disorders

Catalog description

This is an advanced direct practice concentration course focused upon knowledge, skills and values important for social work practice with people who abuse alcohol and other drugs. The content of SASS 564 directly builds upon the generalist curriculum and the required advanced course ( SASS 547 ). SASS 564 takes a bio-psycho-social approach to prevention, assessment and treatment of alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) problems. This course introduces the student to the etiology and treatment of alcohol and other drug abuse in the context of social work practice. The historical background and the development of the evidence base of alcohol and other drug treatment interventions, self-help groups, and conceptual models of addiction will be presented. Students will explore their own attitudes and values toward AODA problems and how these affect treatment outcome as well as the development of programs. Emphasis will be placed on current screening and assessment techniques and prevention and treatment issues in social work practice with alcohol and other drug abuse. The course will use case materials to illustrate similarities and differences among various populations including minority/ethnic identity groups. Prereq: Advanced Standing or (SASS 502 and SASS 504 and SASS 508 ).