Revised 1/1995

HMS 251 - Substance Use Treatment I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Provides knowledge, skills, and insight for working in substance use programs. Emphasizes personal growth and client growth measures in helping relationships. Stresses various methods of individual and group techniques for helping the individual with substance use disorder. Total Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The course is designed for students interested in becoming professionals in the various fields of human services that address substance use disorders across diverse populations.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

English, reading, and writing.

Course Objectives

The student will be able, by means of written, oral, and/or practical applications to identify and describe/discuss:

  • Describe basic concepts and definitions of substance use, misuse, abuse, addiction and dependency
  • Identify current trends in substance use/abuse
  • Demonstrate a basic level of competency in using person-first, destigmatizing language when discussing substance use disorders
  • Identify and compare major substances of use and their effect on the brain and body
  • Describe the different types of legal and illegal drugs available in society and explain their current and historical standing
  • Recognize the impact drugs have on individuals and society as a whole
  • Explore the etiology of substance use, including genetic, social, and psychological aspects affecting substance abuse
  • Explain ethical and legal issues in substance use counseling
  • Demonstrate understanding of substance abuse prevention and intervention
  • Identify and become familiar with the philosophies, practices, policies, and outcomes of various substance use treatment models
  • Examine how personal value, bias, judgements and worldviews may affect attitudes and beliefs on substance use

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Names and classifications of drugs
  • Scope of chemical dependency in society
  • Social, cultural, economic, and political influences on substance use
  • Personal perspectives and biases
  • Myths and misconceptions
  • Parenting, family, and community risk and enabling factors
  • Genetic, social, and psychological aspects of substance use
  • Assessment and diagnosis of stages of substance use, misuse, dependence, and addiction
  • Prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention
  • Mindfulness and social support
  • Mindfulness and social support
  • Substance-related disorders
  • Documentation: writing and reporting using APA guidelines