SocW 445
Chemical Dependency - Assessment and Treatment

Instructors for Spring 2008:

• Ron Jackson*

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The goal of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and basic skills to recognize and understand the dynamics of chemical dependency in the lives of individuals, how to assess the presence of this disorder and what the issues are in referring individuals to treatment for this disorder.  To accomplish this goal, the course materials, presentations and assignments will be structures so as:

1. To introduce students to theories of causation of abuse and dependence and the diagnostic implications of those various theories.
2. To describe the diagnostic criteria, in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TRÔ (American Psychiatric Association, 2002) for substance abuse and substance dependence.
3. To provide an understanding of the physiological bases for drug actions.
4. To describe the physical and psychological consequences of use and abuse of mood-changing substances.
5. To describe recent local and national trends in substance use and abuse.
6. To introduce the process of assessment of the extent and implications of a person’s substance use
7. To explore addiction treatment options and the issues involved in referral to treatment.

Specific learning objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. list the most commonly abused drugs, their classification and their usual acute psychological, emotional and physical effects and consequences of their chronic use.
2. explain the difference between substance abuse and substance dependence.
3. outline theories of causation of substance abuse and the diagnostic implications of these theories.
4. describe the physiological bases for drug actions.
5. explain the concept of “co-occurring disorders” or psychiatric co-morbidity.
6. discuss the commonalties and differences in substance abuse and dependence among women, racial and ethnic minorities and other sub-populations.
7. outline assessment issues and treatment options.
8. describe the strengths and weaknesses of the various addiction recovery support groups.
9. discuss the relationship of the problem of chemical dependency and substance abuse in social work practice.

 

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