Addictions Treatment

This course reviews key concepts utilized in substance abuse treatment from both a historical and current perspective, including theoretical models of understanding and treating chemical and behavioral addictions. Various screening and assessment tools and interviewing skills are reviewed to help the student assess the severity of addiction and develop an initial treatment plan. Treatment settings and interventions commonly used in the field of addictions are closely examined. Additional topics will include: the concept of Co-Occurring Disorders and the interface between substances and psychopathology, the intricacies of Alcoholics Anonymous, understanding the Addiction Cycle, adolescent treatment, family therapy and interventions, codependency, adult children of alcoholics, aversion therapies, controlled drinking, relapse prevention, and addictions as they relate to issues of diversity.