Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 585 – Social Work Practice with Substance Use Disorders
Credits - 3
Description
The focus of this course is to examine the biopsychosocial-spiritual context of substance use/misuse through the intersection of multiple individual, family, organizational, societal and political systems that contribute to risk and healing. We will explore the impact of social dislocation, trauma, and neurobiology as it relates to those who are experiencing substance use disorders. Students will learn to identify through a person-centered, strength based, biopsychosocial lens toward how substances became a way of coping with life’s challenges and how substance use is a process of dis-ease through a sociocultural context. Students will be introduced to introductory evidence-based treatment modalities and explore resources to aid in prevention and intervention with individuals, families, organizations and policy makers by investigating their communities for recovery readiness.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Recognize personal biases and reflect on beliefs relative to myths and misunderstanding about people who use drugs. EPAS 1 & 3, 4
- Evaluate the spectrum of substance use, its impact, as well as current and historical policies across the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. EPAS 4, 5,7, & 9.
- Investigate the etiology and epidemiology of substance use disorders through a person in the environment, systems, and dislocation perspective. EPAS 2, 3, & 4
- Evaluate multinational approaches to the approach on drugs and addiction, and the impact of cultural values on treatment and recovery. EPAS 2 & 3
- Evaluate co-occurring substance use disorders through the lens of various theoretical frameworks at both the individual and community levels. EPAS 7, 8 & 9
- Analyze prevalent sociocultural interventions through the lens of the NASW Code of Ethics. EPAS 1; 4
Assignments
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
Abstinence Journals
Beginning in Week 1 you are asked to abstain from a substance or an activity that is routinely part of your life. Some things to consider abstaining from could be caffeine, soda, gluten, alcohol, drugs (not prescribed medication), sugar, ice cream, video gaming, Facebook, nicotine, etc.
Please be aware that if you choose to abstain from a substance that you use heavily (particularly alcohol or other drugs), you may experience withdrawal symptoms. If this is the case, please consider choosing a less toxic substance or activity and/or seek medical attention immediately if you do experience serious withdrawal symptoms.
In Week 8, you will write a Abstinence Journal reflection. You are encouraged to draw on course concepts materials to interpret and reflect on your experience. Please see the assignment directions in Week 8 for a more detailed breakdown of the requirements for the assignment. While APA format is not required for journal entries, proper use of references and citation style is expected.
Community Readiness for Change Outline
You will provide a conceptualized framework of what you are working on for your final community readiness for change project. This includes a presentation outline, framework of ideas, focus areas, priorities, and strategies. You will identify at least 5 sources you will use in your final project.
Drug Set Setting Assignment
You will engage in a case study surrounding the documentary Jacinta (Earnshaw, J. 2020). You will learn how to use the Drug Set Setting framework. With Jacinta as the “case scenario,” complete the Drug Set Setting, multidisciplinary assessment profile (MAP), and client hierarchy of needs.
Final Community Readiness Project
Throughout the course, you will be working on a final community readiness project. In week 3, you will confirm a booking with a professional working in substance use disorder treatment/practice; in week 5, you will submit an outline and annotated bibliography for your final presentation; and in week 8, you will be submitting your final community readiness project presentation as a recorded presentation.
You will be using the skills you have developed to research your local community and state through a micro, mezzo, and macro lens to determine if your community is recovery ready. Further details are listed within the course.
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’s 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’s Learning Modules.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 point | 1% |
| Discussions (9 x 4 pts each) | 36 points | 36% |
| Abstinence Journals (5 @ 5 pts each) | 25 Points | 25% |
| Week 5 Outline of Community Readiness for Change Project | 15 points | 15% |
| Week 6 Drug Set Setting Assignment | 10 Points | 10% |
| Week 7 Final Community Readiness for Change Project (Presentation) | 16 points | 16% |
| Total: | 100 | 100% |
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 weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on MONDAY through 11:59 PM ET on SUNDAY, with the exception of Week 1, which starts on WEDNESDAY. Unless otherwise specified, all discussion comments and assignments are due the last day of the week. Initial responses to discussion prompts are due by the end of Friday unless otherwise noted.
ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Course Weeks
Week 1: Mar 12 – Mar 16 (This is a short week)
Week 2: Mar 17 – Mar 23
Week 3: Mar 24 – Mar 30
Week 4: Mar 31 – Apr 6
Week 5: Apr 7 – Apr 13
Week 6: Apr 14 – Apr 20
Week 7: Apr 21 – Apr 27
Week 8: Apr 28 – May 4
Week 1: Exploring Myths and Biases Through Reflective Practice
Discussions
- Week 1 Discussion (EPAS 1, 2 & 4)
Assignments
- Acknowledgment of Academic Engagement
- Week 1 Abstinence Journal Entry (EPAS 1 & 4)
Week 2: The War on Drugs
Discussions
- Week 2 Discussion (EPAS 5 & 9)
Assignments
- Week 2 Abstinence Journal Entry (EPAS 1 & 4)
Week 3: The Dislocation Theory of Addiction
Discussions
- Week 3 Discussion (EPAS 2, 3, 4, & 5)
Assignments
- Week 3 Abstinence Journal Entry (EPAS 1 & 4)
Week 4: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
Discussions
- Week 4 Discussion 1 ( EPAS 4, 5, & 9 )
- Week 4 Discussion 2 (EPAS 4, 7, & 9)
Assignments
- Week 4 Abstinence Journal Entry
Week 5: “Not why the addiction, but why the pain.” ~ Gabor Maté
Discussions
- Week 5 Discussion (EPAS 4, 6, 7 & 8)
Assignments
- Week 5 Outline of Community Readiness for Change Project (EPAS 5, 7, 8, 9)
Week 6: Drug Set Setting
Discussions
- Week 6 Discussion (EPAS 1, 2, 4, & 9)
Assignments
- Week 6 Drug Set Setting Assignment ( EPAS 1, 4, & 7)
Week 7: A Social Justice Lens
Assignments
- Week 7 Final Community Readiness Project (EPAS 5, 7, 8 & 9 )
Week 8: Trauma that is not transformed is transferred” Tabitha Mpamira-Kaguri
Discussions
- Week 8 Discussion (EPAS 4 & 5)
- Week 8 Final Abstinence Journal (EPAS 1 & 4)
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:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
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
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.
Graduation Requirements
Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.
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
6- to 8-week courses: 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.
10+ -week courses: 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 Course Withdrawal
Please contact your Enrollment and Retention Counselor if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. Tuition charges may still apply. Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.
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:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- 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.