Social Work Practice With Addictions

Catalog description

This course uses a social work systemic approach to understanding substance misuse and other addictive behaviors. At present, there are no unifying theories of addiction and there are no unifying theories on treating addictions. Given the absence of overarching theoretical support, this course begins with a historical overview of addiction and the systems used in the past to try to eradicate addiction to illegal substances and the systems of care used to treat addiction and improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities. The course is designed to then provide an overview of the epidemiological perspective, ethical and legal perspective, and sociological perspective. It also contains information on current treatment trends including the recognized levels of care. The course ends with an overview of both the historic and the contemporary policy trends for how our society views addiction, responds to those people affected by addiction, advances social and economic justice, and to eradicate pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse environments. Prerequisites: With instructor approval for PNW students enrolled in graduate programs in related disciplines (e.g., CFT, MHC, DNP); MSW Traditional Students: SWRK 51000, SWRK 53000, SWRK 56000, and SWRK 57000; MSW Advanced Standing Students: SWRK 61500. Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 51000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 52000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 53000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 56000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 57000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D-) OR SWRK 61500 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- Course Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the assessment, classification of, and treatment of substance use disorders. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the incidence of various dual diagnoses and the impact of their untreated versus treated symptoms on individuals, families, and communities. 3. Discuss pharmacological management of substance abuse disorders, pharmacological advances in the treatment of substance use disorders, inappropriate uses of medications by persons especially those who have advanced age, and the dangers of mixing medications with alcohol and other drugs (licit and illicit). 4. Describe, compare and critically evaluate existing theories and treatment models such as “integrated” treatment and motivational interviewing (“best practices”). 5. Utilize methodologically-sound research designs such as experimental and quasi-experimental studies, published in refereed journals, to guide professional decision-making regarding the treatment of substance abuse disorders. 6. Become very familiar with and competent describing, discussing, and making referrals as appropriate of clients to self-help, Twelve-Step recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), doing the same for parents and loved ones regarding Al-Anon Family Groups. View Class Schedule