Addictions in Field of SOWK

Catalog description

This course will focus on the topic of addictions, preparing students to recognize and intervene when clients and their families demonstrate addictions problems in a wide range of social service agencies and host settings, such as child welfare, mental health, aging, schools, health care, corrections, and drug and alcohol programs. The course will examine the evolving models of alcohol and chemical dependency to the present day understanding of the disease model, including an examination of the neurobiology of addiction and basic pharmacology including medication assisted therapies. The concept of harm reduction is introduced. Using a case studies approach, students will develop assessment and intervention skills. The course will address professional issues including credentialing, confidentiality and ethics.