Course Objectives
The Etiology of Addiction
- Compare the different models of conceptualizing addiction.
- Describe how substance use affects the brain and body chemistry.
- Identify the physical and psychological influences of various substances.
The Influence of Addiction on Individuals, Families, and Communities
- Describe the influence of addiction on individuals.
- Explain the outcomes of addiction on families.
- Examine the consequences of addiction on communities.
The Impact of Addiction on Specialized Populations
- Explain the unique challenges related to addiction faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population
- Determine the factors that must be considered when working with various ethnic populations with addiction issues.
- Analyze the unique challenges when working with elderly adults who have addiction issues.
- Examine the complications of dual diagnosis.
Overview of Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery of Addiction
- Describe techniques for assessing addiction, including differences that may be needed for specialized populations.
- Explain treatment interventions for addiction.
- Determine significant treatment factors for specialized populations beyond generalized interventions.
Prevention and Controversy Related to Addiction and the Role of Human Service Workers in Service Delivery
- Describe how prevention strategies can be used to reduce abuse and addiction in the United States.
- Discuss the pros and cons of the current legal interventions involved with drugs.
- Identify the role of human service workers to deliver information and guidance to addicts and their families.
- Analyze ways human service workers can advocate for various levels of victims of the drug culture.
Week 1: The Etiology of Addiction
Conceptualizing Addiction
Compare two models of conceptualizing addiction.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper briefly describing the models. Discuss how they are synergistic, or how they take competing views.
Include a summary about which theory you feel is most useful for helping intervene on addiction.
Week 2: The Influence of Addiction on Individuals, Families, & Communities
The Effects of Addiction
Write a 1,050-to 1,400-word integrative paper that explores how Anthony's addiction affects his life, his family's life, and the community he lives in.
Include at least two peer-reviewed scholarly articles that support your discussion or arguments.
Week 4: Overview of Assessment, Treatment, & Recovery of Addiction
Assessment Project Analysis
Select an assessment from Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach with faculty approval and administer the instrument to someone you know who drinks, uses drugs, or both.
Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word analysis regarding the following:
- Identify what assessment was used.
- Did you find the assessment useful?
- What additional questions might need to be asked to accommodate particular special populations?
- Include a summary of findings and a recommendation for treatment options.
- Do not disclose the interviewee's identity in your analysis.
- Include peer-reviewed research as support for your answer.
Week 5: Prevention & Controversy Related to Addiction and the Role of Human Service Workers in Service Delivery
Take A Stand
After watching the "The War on Drugs: Winners and Losers" video, and reading Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach, take a stand on legalization, decriminalization, or status quo regarding how drug use is treated in our society.
Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper that responds to the following:
What is the issue? What is your stance on the issue? Can this stance be applied universally, or would you employ different stances depending on the substance?
Defend your position with at least three peer-reviewed articles in addition to the text and video.
Include a discussion about who may be affected by the approach you would select, and how you would advocate for that population.
Final Grade: A-
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