Clinical Issues in Addiction.

Catalog description

This course is designed to help graduate students develop a biopsychosocial approach to the understanding of the problems of psychoactive substance misuse and dependency and other related disorders primarily as they are found in American culture. Biologically, the course will address recent developments in neurobiological and pharmaceutical research related to addictive behavior. From a psychological standpoint we will consider continuing treatment innovations and research on treatment effectiveness. Sociologically, the course will recognize that the individual addict does not live in a vacuum but is both shaped by and shaper of his or her social and political environment. The strengths perspective and client-centered practices are emphasized throughout. Upon completion of the course, students will understand the reciprocal interaction between the individual addict and the various systems that impact addiction, treatment and recovery (such as biology/genetics, family, SES, ethnicity, opportunity, the treatment industry, political and social reform movements, values, and spiritual frameworks). In addition, assessment criteria and treatment modalities will be reviewed for effectiveness and effects on the client system. The content of the course will draw heavily on current research and the process will emphasize critical thinking and analysis of the current controversies in the substance misuse and nonsubstance addiction field. Prerequisite: SOCW 501 , C or better.