Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSW 585 Substance Abuse (Spring 2016)
Credits - 3
Description
This course presents an overview of the major issues in substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. Students examine the major social policy issues in addictions treatment and recovery. This course explores trends in licit and illicit drug use in the United States and examines implications for social policy. The course lays the foundation for an understanding of providing services with addicted populations and covers the 12 core functions of addictions counseling.
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:
- Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
- Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
- Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
- Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
- Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
- Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
- Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:
- To provide knowledge pertaining to the incidence and prevalence of alcoholism and other addictive substances, and populations at risk.
- To develop an awareness and understanding of the impact of cultural values and ethnicity on substance abuse treatment and recovery.
- To familiarize students with a general understanding of various drugs of abuse and social policies related to addictions.
- To familiarize students with the various theoretical perspectives regarding alcoholism and other substance abuse.
- To familiarize students with the various approaches to treatment of addictions.
- To promote an understanding of the role and function of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery programs.
- To develop an understanding of clinical assessment in working with addicted populations.
- To understand thoroughly the 12 core functions of addictions counseling.
- To develop an awareness of the influences which addictions have on the lives on students enrolled in this course.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a general basic understanding of the incidence and prevalence of alcoholism and other addictive substances, and populations at risk
- Demonstrate a general basic understanding of various drugs of abuse and the impact of social policies on treatment in addictions.
- Discuss the various theoretical models in substance abuse, and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of social influences, cultural values and ethnicity on addictions treatment and recovery.
- Understand the impact of abuse and addiction on spouses, children, other family members, and social and work environments.
- Identify indicators of alcohol/drug dependence, and articulate the physiological impact of substance abuse on the individual.
- Demonstrate an understanding of clinical assessment in working with addicted populations.
- Articulate and discuss the twelve core functions of addictions counseling.
- Identify the influence that substances have on their own lives.
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, an interview, and a movie analysis. Each week you will create a reflective blog in addition to these items.
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, within the assignment itself, or using the Feedback column in the gradebook.
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
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Final Substance Abuse Paper | 270 points | 27% |
| Interview Assignment | 220 points | 22% |
| Movie Assignment | 110 points | 11% |
| Participation (Completed Weekly) | 240 points (30 pts * 8 modules) | 24% |
| Reflective Journal (Completed Weekly, assessed in Module 4 & 8) | 160 points (20 pts * 8 modules) | 16% |
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: 03/02/16 – 04/24/16
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: The Etiology and Epidemiology of Addiction
Dates: 03/02/2016 – 03/08/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Textbook: Kasl, C. Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps. Parts 1-2.
- Documents: Etiology Handout, Epidemiology Handout
- NIDA Materials: The Science of Addiction
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia and websites:
- HBO Addiction Series: What is Addiction
- HBO Addiction Series: Addiction and the Brain’s Pleasure Pathways
- NIDA Material: Drug Facts Nationwide trends
- Slideshows: Etiology and Natural History of Alcoholism, Epidemiology of Alcohol Problems in the United States
- Watch: Alcohol and Your Brain
- Watch: Alcohol and the Brain
- Discussions: Risky Situations Group Discussion; The Role of Media Group Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Substance Abuse Paper Introduction
MODULE 2: Legal & Ethical Issues for Addictions Professionals: Screening, Diagnosis, Assessment, and Referral
Dates: 03/09/2016 – 03/15/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Textbook: Geppert, C. & Roberts, L. (2008). The book of ethics: expert guidance for professionals who treat addiction. Center City, Minn: Hazelden. Whole book.
- Documents: Legal and Ethical Issues in Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol Disorders; Screening for Alcohol Problems in Social Work Settings; Diagnosis and Assessment of Alcohol Use Disorders
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia and websites:
- Slideshows: Legal and Ethical Issues in Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol Disorders; Screening For Alcohol Problems in Social Work Settings; Diagnosis and Assessment of Alcohol Use Disorders
- NASW Materials: NASW Standards for SW Practice with Clients with Substance Use Disorders
- SAMHSA Materials: Applying Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regs; Drug Abuse Screening Test
- PsychCentral: Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders (Revised for DSM-5)
- Watch: National Geographic Channel – Drugs Inc. – Marijuana
- Discussions: Alcohol Use and Abuse Group Discussion; Ethics Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Topics
MODULE 3: Prevention/Fetal Exposure
Dates: 03/16/2016 – 03/22/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Fetal Alcohol Effects, Preventing Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
- Textbook: Knapp, C. (1997). Drinking: A Love Story, Bantam Doubleday.
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Slideshows: Fetal Alcohol Exposure, Preventing Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
- Watch: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Fetal Alcohol Effects Video Part 1
- Watch: Alcohol Effects on the Developing Brain
- Discussions: Pregnant Clients and Alcohol Use Group Discussion; Prevention of Alcohol Use Disorders Group Discussion; Prevention Investment Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Movie Assignment Introduction; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Research
MODULE 4: Treating Chemically Dependent People Across the Lifespan: Theoretical and Treatment Models
Dates: 03/23/2016 – 03/29/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Adolescents, Older Adults, Motivation and Treatment
- Textbook: Kasl, C. Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps. Parts 3-4.
- Jacobsen, L. K., Southwick, S. M. and Kosten, T. R. (2000). Substance use disorders in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of the literature. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(8), 1184-1193.
- Molnar, B. E., Buka, S. L. and Kessler, R. C. (2001). Child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey. American Journal of Public Health, 91(5), 753-760.
- Volpicelli, J., Balaraman, G., Hahn, J., Wallace, H. and Bux, D. (1999). The role of uncontrollable trauma in the development of PTSD and alcohol addiction.
- Spooner, C. (1999). Causes and correlates of adolescent drug abuse and implications for treatment. Drug and Alcohol Review, 18(4), 453-478.
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Slideshows: Adolescents and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders; Older Adults and Alcohol Problems; Motivation and Treatment Interventions
- Discussions: Ethical Issues with Adolescents Group Discussion; “Adult-Centric” Perspectives Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion; Movie Assignment Draft Discussion (Draft due by Thursday, Feedback by Sunday)
- Assignments: Reflective Journal, Movie Assignment Submission; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Continue Working
MODULE 5: Family Systems and Chemical Dependency: Coordinated System of Care
Dates: 03/29/2016 – 04/05/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Alcohol & the Family, Family Systems; Coordinated Care Systems
- Blume, S.. B. (2000). Treatment of substance misuse in the new century. Western Journal of Medicine, 172(1), pp. 4-7.
- Perez, D. M. (2000). The relationship between physical abuse, sexual victimization and adolescent illicit drug use. Journal of Drug Issues, 30(3), 641-662.
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Slideshows: Alcohol & Family; Substance Abuse and Family Systems; Coordinated Care Systems
- Discussions: Family Systems Group Discussion; Coordinated Systems of Care Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Interview Assignment Introduction; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Implications
MODULE 6: Gender and Sexual Orientation
Dates: 04/06/2016 – 04/12/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Alcohol and Women; Sexual Orientation and Alcohol Disorders
- Brome, D. R., Owens, M. D., Allen, K. and Vevaina, T. (2000). An examination of spirituality among African American women in recovery from substance abuse. Journal of Black Psychology, 26(4), 470-486.
- Erickson, P. G., Butters, J., McGillicuddy, P. and Hallgren, A. (2000). Crack and prostitution: Gender, myths and experiences. Journal of Drug Issues, 30(4), 767-788.
- Snow, D. and Anderson, C. (2000). Exploring the factors influencing relapse and recovery among drug and alcohol addicted women. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 38(7), 8-16.
- Sanders, G. L. and Kroll, I. T. (2000). Generating stories of resilience: Helping gay and lesbian youth and their families. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 26(4), 433-442.
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Presentations: Women and Alcohol; Sexual Orientation and Alcohol Use Disorders
- Discussions: LGBT Clients Group Discussion; Intervention Groups for LGBT Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion;
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Interview Assignment Submission & Discussion; Substance Abuse Paper Assignment – Draft
MODULE 7: Ethnicity and Culture: Refugees & Immigrants
Dates: 04/13/2016 – 04/19/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Ethnicity, Culture, and Alcohol; Immigrants, Refugees, and Alcohol
- Amaro, H., Nieves, R., Johannes, S. W., Cabeza, N. M. L. (1999). Substance abuse treatment: Critical issues and challenges in the treatment of Latina women. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 21(3), 266-282.
- Garrett, M. T. and Carroll, J. J. (2000). Mending the broken circle: Treatment of substance dependence among Native Americans. Journal of Counseling and Development, 78(4), 379-388.
- Levi, D. B. and Easley, C. (1999). African American women and substance abuse: an overview. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 6(3), 102-108.
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Slideshows: Ethnicity, Culture, and Alcohol; Immigrants, Refugees, and Alcohol
- Discussions: Treatment Programs Group Discussion; Culturally Specific or Cross-Cultural Treatment Programs Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Final Substance Abuse Paper Submission; Preparing for a Module 8 Discussion – Attend a Meeting in Your Community
MODULE 8: Issues in Addictions: Comorbidity, Homelessness, Intimate Partner Violence, Disabilities
Dates: 04/20/2016 – 04/24/2016
- Opening Remarks: Introductory Podcast
- Readings:
- Documents: Comorbidity; Alcohol Use in Homeless Populations, Intimate Partner & Alcohol, Disabilities and Alcohol Use
- Extended Learning items are optional readings
- Multimedia:
- Slideshows: Comorbidity of Alcohol and Psychiatric Problems; Alcohol Use Disorders in Homeless Populations; Alcohol and Intimate Partner Violence; Disabilities and Alcohol Use Disorders
- Discussions: A Voice for Homeless Persons Group Discussion; Self-Help Attendance Group Discussion; Intimate Partner Violence Sites Group Discussion; Ethical Dilemma Case Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Interview Assignment Submission
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 Blackboard/Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Tutorial: Find an article
- Video Tutorials: https://library.une.edu/research-help/guides-tutorials/video-tutorials/
- 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
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. You will sign up in the beginning of the course (with the sign-up sheet present under “ Learning Modules”) to select a small group. 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 to 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.”
Late Policy:
10% will be deducted from assignments for each day they are late IF the instructor has not approved an extension in advance of the due date.
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/
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.