Exploring a variety of models and theories of addiction, social and cultural environments within which substance abuse and addictions exist.

This course is the prerequisite for:

• Assessment & Treatment
• A/D Counseling Skills I

Attendance and punctuality are mandatory! Classes will begin promptly and tardiness will be counted as a missed class.

Challenge questions will follow each topic / lecture session. Specific questions may be from assigned readings and / or class discussion.

There are a total of 200 points in this course. Breakdown of points is as follows:

• 100 points - Attendance and Participation
• 50 points - Challenge Questions
• 50 points - Written Assignment/Research Paper (Due July 5th, by 4:30 pm at SAPP office, 180 ESL)
• 200 points - TOTAL

Session 1 Introduction and syllabus review
Description: The initial session is designed to familiarize all participants with basic course information. Selected topics are to serve as a guideline and may also include additional topics of interest. Ample time will be allotted for a question and answer period. Students will be encouraged to begin discussion around identified issues in addictions and related concerns.

Session 2 Use, Misuse and Abuse
Description: Students will be presented with an arbitrary continuum designed as a simple model of identifying exposure patterns.

Readings: TBA

Session 3 Theories of Addiction (Etiology)
Description/Assignments:The session will attempt to define and explore a variety of popular theories within the addictions. Attention will be given to better understanding how addiction happens at an individual and a societal level, and what mechanisms and societal changes underlie prevention and recovery.

Readings:
Theories of Addiction
The End of Nature Versus Nurture

Session 4 Biopsychosocial Understanding of Addiction (Pharmacological approach and treatment)
Description: Students will be introduced to the concept of neurobiology and addiction. The role of neurotransmitter systems and their integration into circuits contributing to addictive behavior will be discussed.

Readings:
The Neurobiology of Addiction

Session 5 Codependency and Enabling
Description: The session will attempt to define and then discuss the concept of Codependency in terms of family issues and pathology. A basic review of "symptoms" will be introduced along with several models of healing and self-care. Attention will also be given to discussing how enabling may perpetuate a problem and help users avoid consequences of their behaviors.

Readings:
A Critical Analysis of The Concept of Codependency
"Sizing Up" Codependency Recovery
Examining Codependency in a College Population
Family Stressors As Predictors of Codependency

Session 6 Compulsive Behaviors
Description: Substance abuse has often been viewed as a form of compulsive behavior. Students will explore other behaviors sharing similar characteristics as alcohol and other drugs. (AOD).

Readings:
Who's An Addict?

Session 7 A/D Prevention
Description: The subject will be considered in light of extensive research that suggests reducing known "risk factors" and enhancing "protective factors" will significantly reduce the demand for use of AOD.

Readings:
Prevention Efforts Underlying Decreases in Binge Drinking At Institutions Of Higher Education
An Ounce of Prevention
Redesigning Dare

Session 8 Co-occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Description: The focus of attention will be around defining and discussing how individuals presenting with comorbid scenarios may or may not respond to traditional treatment approaches.

Readings:
Addictive Behaviors and Personality Disorders
Meeting The Treatment Needs of Multiply Diagnosed Consumers SAMSHSA Clarifies Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders Screening and Assessing Co-occurring Disorders

Session 9 Relapse and Recovery
Description: The topic will be presented by way of reviewing current insight into causal factors for relapse and specific intervention strategies utilized by those in recovery. Attention will also be given to providing support to concerned others and better understanding Post Acute Withdrawal.

Readings:
Recovery: An Act of Work
Narratives of Recovery from Addictive Behaviours

Session 10 Treatment Modalities
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of popular treatment modalities utilized throughout the addictions. The concept of integrating psychosocial support, medications, and traditional "talk" therapy will be considered and discussed.

Readings:
Brief Interventions in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders: Definition And Overview
Detoxification Beneficial As A Stand Alone Treatment source

Mandatory Attendance

The APA style paper must be 5-6 pages in length and include a title page (consisting of name, name of class, term and year), and references from a minimum of 3 peer reviewed sources. It should relate course material obtained from class lectures and readings. Students may include personal opinions or that of others as a component if it can be supported by research information from credible sources. (Privacy and confidentiality must be maintained.) Quality work is expected including clarity and well-thought-out-ideas, organization, spelling, punctuation, and appropriate grammar. Note: (Due not later than two weeks following the last day of class by 4:30 p.m. at the SAPP office, 180 ESL)

The class format will be comprised of lectures, media presentations and class discussions. In addition, I may invite guests who have particular expertise in the subject matter to share their personal and/or professional experiences and insights. Students will be encouraged to participate to the degree they are comfortable. Any suggestions for including related topics or for providing a more positive academic experience will be considered.

Use of Personal Technology & Literature:

• Laptops may ONLY be used in class for the purpose of note taking. Web surfing, games, instant messaging, email, and working on homework for other classes tends to be distracting to others and is prohibited during class time. If you find you must do otherwise, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.
• Non-course materials - Magazines, books, newspapers and other literature, including homework from other classes, may be a distraction for others in class and is therefore prohibited. Please save these activities for time other than in class.
• Music/Video player use during class is strictly prohibited. This is a definite distraction for others.
• Cell phones are to be silenced and not used during class time. This includes sending or receiving calls or use of text messaging. If you find you need to use your cell phone, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.