Plan of Study – Grad Cert Addiction Studies

Issues of diversity, discrimination, and social justice with particular attention given to institutions that provide human services (sociology, criminal justice, nursing, gerontology, social work, psychology, education): how marginalized populations (e.g. race/ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, social class, medical/mental disability) are socially constructed; how these groups have been affected in the contexts of social stratification; institutional and structural discrimination; how economic, political, and cultural systems pose challenges to these marginalized groups; exploration of possible solutions.

Introduction to the vocation of ministry, its challenges, and required qualifications, including: requirements for effective leadership; development of effective communication skills; personal integrity; psychological preparation; respect for diversity; responding to needs of special groups; team approaches to community dilemmas; collaboration with other professions to support pastoral care.

An introduction to contemporary psychoanalytic theory: an historical review of the development of the theory, grounding in its philosophical underpinnings, and an appreciation for areas of current debate. Overview of the main schools of psychoanalytic thought with a focus on psychoanalytic concepts of special relevance to clinicians conducting assessments and treatment with child and adult patients. Current empirical research concerning psychoanalytic treatment and concepts is considered. Prerequisite: admission to MSCP program.

Builds on introductory concepts and techniques employed in clinical work with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, including those who have substance abuse problems. The course will examine the primary social, political, economic, legal, and philosophical forces that have influenced mental health delivery in the United States over different historical time periods and the resulting organizational, the interface with other major service delivery systems, including welfare, criminal justice, primary health care, and social security will be addressed. This course will focus on policies and policy issues that define and influence the care and treatment of persons with mental illness from colonial times to the present. Topics to be included will be deinstitutionalization, managed care, psychiatric rehabilitation, cultural issues and disparities of care, services, professional certification and roles. Social aspects of health and illness, including cultural variations, health beliefs and behavior, and the impact of illness on the patient and the family, ae examined and their relevance for practice is discussed. Corequisite: SW 6060.

Examines social work practice theories, social policies, multidimensional assessment, problems, and trends in social programs and services for older people. Focuses on diversity among older people, strengths and challenges of existing policies related to the well-being of an aging population; includes policies and programs in health, mental health, housing and income maintenance, institutional and residential care. Addresses service availability and delivery for various subgroups of the elderly population (including ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender, sex and spirituality). Discusses implications of policy on services and provide a framework for analysis. Corequisite: SW 6060.

Focuses on biological, psychological, and social experiences, challenges, and changes characteristic of children and youth viewed from a multicultural perspective. Normal development, as well as the prevalence, etiology, and prevention of a variety of developmental risks will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of research and practice, with particular attention to the development of resiliency and social competence among children and youth. This course will also analyze how various environmental influences such as a parental behavior, poverty, and social justice impact development. Corequisite: SW 6060.

Introduction to the field of addiction studies and the scope of chemical and non-substance-related addiction issues in the United States. Definition of terms, review of different theories of addiction, examination of the disease concept of chemical and non-substance-related addictions, and of the continuum of care options for clients. Discussion of standards for ethical behavior in the field and opportunities for professional practice.

The purpose of this course is to focus on the identification, assessment, and treatment of an individual with an addictive disorder. Areas that will be explored include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: types of substance and behavior addictions, the stages of the disease process, personal costs of addiction, addiction assessment tools, obstacles to obtaining treatment, theories of addiction treatment/treatment approaches, self-help model, harm reduction approach, and relapse prevention.

Chemical dependency and the family: analysis of family roles, rules, relationships, and rituals. Discussion of the dynamics of codependency, adult children of chemically dependent families, family violence, and resources for recovery.

Engage students in the exploration of complex issues that impact ethical decision making in the context of the helping relationship as carried out in counseling practice. The day-to-day application of the codes of ethics to practice will be presented. Small group exercises and case examples will be utilized throughout the course. Combines theoretical and practical understanding of ethical reasoning, personal ethical development and professional ethical identity development.

Examination of the special needs, issues and interventions for individuals with chemical dependency problems and non-substance related addictions and their significant others specific to culture, customs, race, ethnicity, language, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, criminal background and other cultural characteristics. Emphasis placed on cultural competence and unique diversity issues in Southeastern Michigan.

An introduction to understanding the assessment and treatment of individuals who have a dual disorder of mental illness and chemical dependency, including presentation of specific intervention strategies and program designs.

An overview of current strategies used in prevention programs. Introduction to school- based and community programs on the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. Review of local, state, and national efforts including campus prevention.

Introducing the procedures of planning and treatment in the field: assessment of problems, development of treatment plans, creation of behaviorally-specific goals and objectives, designing interventions, and planning for the termination of treatment. Students learn skills in clinical problem solving and the documentation of interventions and outcomes.

This course is an introduction to issues relevant to the chemical dependency treatment field as it encounters the impact of HIV. Pertinent information is provided on high-risk groups and the connection between drug use and HIV. It addresses factors related to treatment considerations, methods for reducing high-risk behaviors, prevention measures and epidemiological data.

The grief and loss issues that confront individuals in recovery: concerns such as family dysfunction, interpersonal loss, life review and repair, and life-style changes discussed in the context of chemical dependency treatment.

An introduction to the field of addiction studies, specifically focusing on the adolescent client. Topics include but not limited to: definitions of key terms, research findings, physical, emotional, family and social effects of adolescent chemical dependency, basic drug effects and actions, intervention and treatment options as well as controversies in the field.

Engages a biopsychosociocultural framework to identify and analyze issues specifically related to women with substance and non-substance addictions. Examination of emotional and physiological dynamics; the principles of gender-responsive treatment approaches; the impact of societal values; the relationship between substance abuse and trauma; engagement, treatment and retention strategies; barriers to treatment; relapse and ethical issues.

An overview of normal brain functioning and the influence of addictive drugs like heroin and cocaine on brain cells; the evidence for the brain's reward pathway as a crucial neural substrate for drug addition; drug tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal defined in neurophysiological terms.

An introduction to the dynamics of gambling as an addictive behavior; types of gambling opportunities, the scope of the problem, types of gamblers, contemporary screening and assessment instruments, co-morbidity with alcohol dependence, intervention strategies and multi-faceted family issues. At-risk populations such as adolescents and older adults are highlighted.