COUN 531 Foundations of Substance Abuse Counseling (3 credits)

Provides an overview of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of substance abuse and dependency. Participants gain a basic understanding of the psychopharmacology of addictive substances, treatment modalities, and the role and responsibilities of the professional addiction counselor.

Participants will be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of addiction as a chronic disease
  
• Develop a basic understanding of the pharmacology of psychoactive substances
  
• Identify major medical, psychological, social, and economic impacts of addiction
  
• Understand the role and responsibilities of the counselor in substance abuse treatment
  
• Identify treatment modalities for substance abuse and dependency

COUN 532 Assessment and Diagnosis of Substance Abuse (3 credits)

Focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills of assessment and diagnosis of psychoactive substance use disorders.

Participants will be able to

• Understand the elements of a biopsychosocial assessment
  
• Gain knowledge of standardized screening and assessment instruments for chemical dependency
  
• Gain knowledge and skills of motivational interviewing
  
• Formulate a DSM-IV substance use disorder diagnosis based on a psychosocial assessment
  
• Develop knowledge of and ability to apply the ASAM patient placement criteria to determine an appropriate level of care

COUN 533 Treatment of Substance Abuse I (3 credits)

Focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills of treatment planning and implementation. Review the various modalities of substance abuse treatment along with the efficacy and indications for use of each modality.

Participants will be able to

• Develop the skill to establish treatment plans with clients that have measurable outcomes
  
• Understand the range of treatment modalities and be able to construct and implement a treatment plan that is individualized to the client

COUN 534 Treatment of Substance Abuse II (3 credits)

Develops the knowledge and skills of substance abuse treatment for diverse client populations. Examines the ethical issues involved in addictions counseling and the responsibilities for continuing professional development for the addiction specialist. Focuses on both theoretical and practical skills.

Participants will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in providing substance abuse treatment to adolescents, women, and individuals with co-existing psychiatric disorders
  
• Describe and apply the ethical and legal responsibilities of the addictions counselor
  
• Carry out the requirements and opportunities for continuing professional development
  

COUN 535 Dual Diagnosis (3 credits)

Focus on the development of knowledge, skills, and theoretical frameworks applicable to the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders. Learn an understanding of chemical dependency and mental health, and look at best-practice models of treatment.

Participants will be able to

• Describe the clinical framework of concurrent treatment for dual diagnosis patients
  
• Increase knowledge of mental health and chemical dependency in a co-occurring population
  
• Understand the concepts of engagement and treatment framing as fundamental principles in dual diagnosis treatment
  
• Improve skills in assessment, treatment planning, and treatment of dual clients
  
• Increase knowledge of psychopharmacology
  
• Apply principles of group work in treating dual clients

COUN 536 Addictions Counseling Capstone (3 credits)

Research and present material relating to a specific topic, treatment approach, or client population that demonstrates mastery of the information presented in the addictions counseling series. Demonstrate an integration of the knowledge from the courses as the final work product.

Participants will be able to

• Describe the "research to practice" initiatives of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and how they are intended to influence the quality and efficacy of substance abuse treatment
  
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current research regarding effective treatment of specific substance use disorders or for specific client populations
  
• Apply research findings to community setting to enhance clinical practice or treatment efficacy
  

COUN 537 Current Issues in Addictions Counseling (Elective) (3 credits)

An option is available for participants to earn credit by attending the seminars in the Chemically Dependent Client in Your Practice series and/or the Understanding Adolescent Use Disorders series and completing an addition assignment. These are full day seminars (6 contact hours) focused on current issues and new developments in the treatment of substance-abusing clients and on the interface between chemical dependency and mental health. There is an emphasis on new knowledge from research and current trends in treatment.

Attend five or more seminars to earn the 3 credits required. See the program descriptions in the Chemically Dependent Client in Your Practice series and/or Understanding Adolescent Use Disorders series for information on each seminar. Other seminars may be added throughout the year.