COUN     5344:

Substance Abuse and Counseling: An Introduction

Fall 2006

Instructor: Sample

Phone:                                                            Office:

E-mail:                                                     Office hours:

Course Description:

This course focuses on chemical dependency across counseling settings, including school, agency and private practice. This course includes theoretical and applied information on causative factors, assessment and treatment strategies across a variety of settings and populations via didactic and experiential coursework.

The prevalence of addiction and addictive behaviors in society necessitates the education and training of counseling students and others in the helping professions on the etiology, assessment and treatment of substance use, abuse and dependence.

Course Objectives :

• The student will recognize historical antecedents of Chemical Dependency and its treatment.
• The student will become familiar with various professional organizations and issues in the field of Addictions.
• The student will define substance use, abuse and dependency, while becoming familiar with the DSM-IV.
• The student will define addiction process, assessment, treatment, recovery and relapse, and understand the relationship between them.
• The student will understand the pharmacology related to the effects of various drugs and alcohol on the user.
• The student will understand the philosophy behind and the implementation of the Medical Model (disease concept).
• The student will list and process various views concerning the etiology of chemical dependency.
• The student will understand the relationship between the chemical dependency field and the mental health field.
• The student will define "dual-diagnosis," and identify various treatment approaches available for dually diagnoses individuals.
• The student will discuss and understand the relationship (similarities/differences) between Counseling and chemical dependency counseling.
• The student will discuss the process and potential benefits of networking with other mental health professionals in and around the chemical dependency field.
• The student will demonstrate an understanding and recognition of diverse community populations.
• The student will list and explore the various treatment paradigms available for chemically dependent individuals.
• The student will understand the relationship between the criminal justice field and chemical dependency and its treatment.
• The student will understand the role of the family in the treatment of chemical dependency.
• The student will identify related web sites on the Internet.
• The student will understand the professional licensing process in the state as it regards chemical dependency treatment.

Methods of Instruction:

Lectures via multiple multimedia formats (e.g., class discussions, powerpoint, handouts, etc.), outside activities, small group role plays, and experiential exercises.

Required Text :  

Washton, A. M. (Ed.) (1995). Psychotherapy and substance abuse: A practitioner's

handbook. New York: Guilford Press.

Supplemental readings as assigned by professor.

Course Requirments:

All students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions. No assignments will be accepted past the due date.

• Course examinations will be of an essay type, given at Mid-term and End-term. The examinations will cover lecture material and readings from text and articles.
• Supplemental activity will require the student, once assigned to a work group, to choose one of the current views in the chemical dependency field concerning the etiology and perpetuation of chemical dependency (Disease Concept, Personal Choice, Environmental Influence (family/stress), Genetic Predisposition, etc). The work group will gather relevant data in the form of professional articles and prepare a 10-page paper and presentation supporting the chosen approach as the MOST ACCURATE understanding of the "cause" of chemical dependency.

                 Ten- (10) page paper must be in APA style, while containing correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Do not share articles between groups, as the paper and presentation will be graded on content, attraction, creativity and uniqueness. The purpose of the presentation is to sway those who disagree. Be prepared to debate the issue in class. The paper will include the following sections: Philosophical Antecedents, Historical Development, Primary Tenets, Influence on Field, Similarities with Alternative Views, Current State and Personal Beliefs (of group as a whole). The presentation should be no shorter than 30 minutes.

3.              Outside Activity: The class will visit a Prison-Based Therapeutic Community in the area. The student will observe portions of the treatment process, while learning about the philosophy of the program, treatment approach and goals.

4.              Performance Evaluation: Failure to interact with peers, facilitators, clients (as applicable), or faculty in a manner consistent with the performance expectations of a professional counselor (see professional performance evaluation) may result in a failing grade in the course and a referral to a faculty review committee.

Grading:  

Exams - 40%                                                                           A = 90-100

Supplemental Activity - 20%                                              B = 80-89

Outside Activity - 20%                                                        F = 79 or below

Attendance - 20%

No Tentative Course Schedule

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to register with Disability Support Services and to contact the faculty member in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.