Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 585 Substance Abuse – Summer A 2018

Credits - 3

Description

The focus of this course is to examine issues associated with substance use and the intersection of multiple individual, family, organizational, and societal systems that contribute to risk and resilience. We will explore the impact of social exclusion on the way in which substance use disorders are defined, who receives treatment, at what level, and at what cost. Students will learn to identify, through a person-centered, biopsychosocial lens, the strengths, and challenges of those who are impacted by substance use. Students will develop competency and resources to aid in prevention and intervention with individuals, families, organizations, and policymakers.

Materials

Required text:

Vaughn, M. & Perron, B. (2013). Social work practice in the addictions. New York, NY: Springer. ISBN: 9781461453567
http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781461453567

Sheff, D. (2013). Clean: overcoming addiction and ending America’s greatest tragedy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780547848655

(2014). Drugs and the Brain | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain 

(Presentation Slides https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/soa_2014.pdf )

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

  1. Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
  2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
  3. Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
  4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  5. Engage in policy practice.
  6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Have an understanding and awareness of the etiology and epidemiology of substance use disorders. Program Outcome 6
  2. Have an understanding of the impact of substance use on the family. Program Outcome 2
  3. Develop an awareness and understanding of the impact of cultural values and ethnicity on substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Program Outcome 4
  4. Have an understanding of social policies related to substance use and how these are driven by research, public opinion and media. Program Outcome 4
  5. Familiarize students with various theoretical perspectives on substance use disorders and how these drive the focus of assessment, treatment and recovery.  Program Outcome 6
  6. Develop an understanding of clinical assessment in working with individuals with substance use disorders. Program Outcome 3
  7. Develop self-awareness and begin to challenge their own myths, biases and misunderstanding about individuals with substance use disorders. Program Outcome 4

Assignments

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:

Readings and Multimedia:

Description: This course will use an array of readings, podcasts, and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and media resources provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads, blogs and wikis, and written assignments.

Discussions:

Description: An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations.

Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments:

Description: You will complete one major paper and an interview. There will be case studies for discussion in addition to content discussions, and a reflection journal about your experience with “an addiction”. All written assignments should follow the APA format.

Interview Paper: Solicit an interview with a substance use disorders treatment or prevention professional regarding (as relevant and appropriate) their personal and professional experiences with substance use, abuse, and dependence. Solicit their beliefs, values, and attitudes toward working with individuals with substance use disorders and/or family members. What have they learned along the way? How has their knowledge, understanding, and attitudes changed since they began working in the field? How many years have they been focusing on working with substance use disorders? Ideally, this interview will inform the final substance abuse paper you will be writing in this course.

You will provide a 6-8 paragraph summary of your interview with the professional and summarize your reactions to this interview in light of your learning in this class as well as your own knowledge and experiences. Please refer to the course materials and readings to support your response. For this paper, include 2-3 course materials plus sources from the texts as references. APA format, 5-7 pages, due in Module 4.

Final Substance Abuse Paper (Due in Module 7): This final paper is about a particular area of interest related to substance use issues. Examples of some topics are: an in-depth exploration of a particular population (youth, affected family members, elders, etc.); further exploration regarding epidemiology or etiology of substance use disorders in a particular group or geographic region; an in-depth look at state and federal policies related to substance use disorders (prevention, treatment, criminalization, etc); comparing and contrasting approaches to treatment and recovery, etc. Please include a multi-systemic and multi-level social work perspective.

For this paper, you will first draft a research paper proposal (due in Module 3)

The Paper should include:

1. Introduction: A concise overview of your topic which integrates the literature. This section should provide a vivid snapshot of the aspect of substance use that you are focusing on and ends with your particular stance regarding the issue. The introduction should be very clear and to the point (up to 1 page).

2. An analysis of your topic which includes a thorough review of the literature. This section should be a critical analysis of the literature and research and the formulation of your perspective based on the literature and research (4-6 pages, as needed to cover your topic):

  • A review of the literature and varying perspectives (at least 2 different points of view or theoretical lenses) on the topic you have chosen;
  • Any current research (quantitative and qualitative) relevant to your topic;
  • Brief formulation of your perspective on the particular area of substance use you have chosen.

3. Discussion which includes the following components:

  • Strengths and challenges of current approaches to the issue/topic of your paper.
  • Social work practice implications associated with your topic (1-3 pages, as needed to cover your topic).
  • Social policy implications associated with your topic (1-3 pages, as needed to cover your topic).

4. Summary: The summary includes a very concise summation of your paper and which leads into a brief, dynamic discussion on the relevance/contribution of your topic on the field of substance abuse. The paper should conclude with recommendations for next steps in addressing the issues raised in your paper (2-4 very tight, focused, organized pages).

The overall paper needs to be very well edited so as to present a well organized, well structured, concise, integrated paper.

Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules for more information. Individual rubrics will be provided in the learning modules. Please refer to each module for further detail on grading for participation, course assignments, and the blog.

Weekly Grading and Feedback: The course facilitator will return assignments and other grading items (discussion boards, participation, etc.) to students within three days of the assignment due date. The course facilitator will provide weekly feedback about participation and performance no later than four days after the learning module closes. Feedback can be via email or within the assignment itself.

Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the “Course Schedule.”

Grading Policy

The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

AssignmentPoint ValuePercentage of Final Grade
Final Substance Abuse Paper (Introduction + Final Paper)400 points (30 points + 300 points)33%
Interview Assignment200 points20%
Participation (Completed Weekly)320 points (40 pts * 8 modules)32%
Reflective Journal (Completed in 3 weeks) 150 points (50 pts * 3 modules)15%
Total:1,000100%

Grade Scale

Grade Points Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 94 – 100% 4.00
A- 90 – 93% 3.75
B+ 87 – 89% 3.50
B 84 – 86% 3.00
B- 80 – 83% 2.75
C+ 77 – 79% 2.50
C 74 – 76% 2.00
C- 70 – 73% 1.75
D 64 – 69% 1.00
F 00 – 63% 0.00

Schedule

Course Dates: 05/02/18 – 06/24/18

All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the dates listed below. Unless otherwise specified, all module discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit.

MODULE 1: Myths, Bias, Reality: Contemporary and Historical Contexts
Dates: Wednesday 05/02 – Tuesday 05/08

  • Readings and Multimedia: text, articles, websites, and videos as assigned
  • Discussions: Experience with SUD, personal myths and biases, media and cultural influence, and expectations for the course; Ethical Dilemma Group Discussion
  • Assignment Introductions: Reflection Journal, Substance Abuse Paper, Interview Paper

MODULE 2: Epidemiology and Etiology
Dates: Wednesday 05/09 – Tuesday 05/15

  • Readings and Multimedia: text, articles, websites, and videos as assigned
  • Discussions: Epidemiology and Etiology; Ethical Dilemma
  • Assignments: Reflective Journal; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Topics; Interview Assignment

MODULE 3: Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis
Dates: Wednesday 05/16 – Tuesday 05/22

  • Readings and Multimedia: text and web resources as assigned
  • Discussions: Substance Use Disorders Group Discussion; Stories from Clean Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case #1 Discussion
  • Assignments: Reflective Journal; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Research; Interview Assignment
  • Assignment Submission: Substance Abuse Paper – Introduction

MODULE 4: Substance Use Disorder Across the Lifespan
Dates: Wednesday 05/23 – Tuesday 05/29

  • Readings and Multimedia: text chapters, articles, and websites; HBO Addictions Series Videos as assigned
  • Discussions: Treatment and Recovery (Group); Motivation and Relapse (Group); Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion (Group)
  • Assignments: Reflective Journal, Continue working on Substance Abuse Paper
  • Assignment Submission: Interview Assignment

MODULE 5: Family Systems: Effects of Substance Use on Family Members
Dates: Wednesday 05/30 – Tuesday 06/05

  • Readings and Multimedia: text chapters, articles, and websites; video from SAMHSA
  • Discussions: Effects on the Family (Group); Ethical Dilemma Discussion (Group); Ethical Dilemma Case #2 (Whole Class)
  • Assignment: Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Implications

MODULE 6: Considerations for Women and LBGTQ People with SUDs
Dates: Wednesday 06/06 – Tuesday 06/12

  • Readings and Multimedia: text chapters, articles, and websites
  • Discussions: Gender Bias, Sexism, Homophobia and Heterosexism (Group); Services, Agency and Policy Implications (Group); Ethical Dilemma Case #3 (Whole Class)
  • Assignment: Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Draft

MODULE 7: Considerations for Working with Individuals with Co-Occurring (SA and MH) and Relapse Prevention
Dates: Wednesday 06/13 – Tuesday 06/19

  • Readings and Multimedia: text, articles, and websites as assigned; HBO Addictions Series Video
  • Discussions: Integrated Treatment (Small Group); Relapse Discussion (Small Group); Ethical Dilemma Case #4 Discussion (Whole Class)
  • Assignment: Final Substance Abuse Paper Submission

MODULE 8: Policy Considerations
Dates: Wednesday 06/20 – Tuesday 06/24

  • Readings and Multimedia: Text chapters, articles, and websites as assigned
  • Discussions: Failed War on Drugs (Small Group); SW Activism (Small Group)

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page

UNE Libraries:

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

Participation:

Postings to the discussion board must add substantively to the discussion by building upon classmates’ ideas or posing critical questions to further the discussion. For example, a posting of “I agree with what people are saying” is not sufficient. I will be monitoring participation on a weekly basis and welcome people to check in with me if they have questions regarding their participation. Keep in mind that weekly postings make up a significant percentage of the final grade. All postings must be respectful. If at any time you are concerned with a posting, please notify me immediately. Please note that I encourage people to work in small groups to reflect and respond to the discussion questions. This is why many of the discussions in your learning modules indicate that they are small group discussions. This will be the group you work in throughout the course – where small group discussion occurs. Each week you will receive up to 30 points for participation. Please refer to the Participation Rubric to see how your weekly participation will be evaluated.

The majority of your discussions require a certain quantity of posts, but this is a minimum amount. Unless otherwise noted, you should post quality responses of no more than two or three paragraphs in length of the indicated quantity in any preferred combination related to the questions. The recommended method is that you carefully read the existing posts and then think about how to build off the existing ideas by offering additional insights, alternative perspectives, or raising critical questions. As part of this process, be sure to refer back to the original discussion question in order to keep the thread focused on the required topic and address the indicated question(s).

All posts on the discussion boards should be completed by 11:59 p.m. E.S.T. of the last day of the module as indicated in the “Course Schedule.” Any discussions that extend beyond that date and time will not be considered a part of the grade and/or assignment, but rather optional reading. Even though you technically have until the last day of the module to post, your participation points will suffer if you do not post initially by Saturday as this negatively impacts your classmates’ ability to respond to your posts and your ability to respond to their posts. Posts that no longer relate to the identified topic should be moved to one of the on-going discussion boards such as “Ask Your Instructor,” “Hallway Discussions,” or “Resources.”

 

Essential Academic and Technical Standards

Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Confidentiality Statement

Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Attendance Policy

8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.