COUN 6170 - Addictions Counseling

This course is designed to provide clinical mental health counseling students with an overview of substances use disorders and process addictions. This course examines the various etiological factors that contribute to substances use disorders and process addictions, including neurobiological, genetic, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, spiritual, and contextual factors. Emphasis will be placed on a bio-psychosocial model, highlighting the inter-relationship between such factors.  Special emphasis will be placed on co-morbid disorders, differential diagnostic issues, and the various methods used to evaluate substance use problems.  Historical & contemporary treatment modalities will be reviewed, including detoxification, self-help philosophies, assessment techniques, individual, group and family modalities, dynamics of motivation, and relapse prevention.  Barriers to effective treatment will also be discussed.  This course examines the various aspects of professional practice, including case management functions, record keeping, report writing, consent to treatment, confidentiality and disclosure. Credits: 3