This course explores various contemporary and historic theories that account for the etiology of addiction to psychoactive substances. Emphasis is on psychological, biological, and socio-cultural theories of drug addiction. Topics include the role of family and society, roles/responsibilities of the therapist, addiction as a disease, the 12-Step Framework, abstinence, and harm reduction.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Compare and contrast competing models and theories of addiction and addiction treatment.
2. Analyze individual and family contributions to the development, maintenance, and treatment of substance abuse and addiction from a historical and contemporary perspective.
3. Evaluate current research and data regarding the effectiveness of prevailing models of treatment.
4. Demonstrate an ability to differentiate and work within the 12 Core Functions of Addictions Counseling.
    

This course examines the development and implementation of research and evaluation methodologies to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical services for individuals impacted by substance abuse and addiction. The course focuses on using current information technology to locate and critically evaluate the assessment and treatment literature, the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices (EBP), program evaluation and needs assessment strategies, and neuropsychological and psychopharmacological research.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Utilize accepted indicators of quality to critique and evaluate relevant research studies.
2. Based on the literature and research findings, recommend improvements to services and design ways to assess the effectiveness.
3. Assess the impact of clinical services including identified resources needs and potential barriers.
4. Explain the design and rationale of the evaluations of individual clients, programs, or other clinical practices including the findings, implications, and recommendations.
    

This course examines the ethical, legal, and professional issues in the continuum of care in addictions work. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy code of ethics, selected federal and state law pertaining to the addictions field, and overlying professionalism are synthesized and applied, while integrating the 12 core functions.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply their knowledge of the Minnesota Board of Health code of ethics in the field of substance abuse, use, and dependence in general practice and case situations.
2. Recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas by applying methods of ethical analysis and decision-making skills being aware of one’s own biases and beliefs.
3. Apply ethical and legal practices and responsibilities in providing professional services.
4. Analyze and address specific issues that arise from the interface of addictions practice with medical, legal, religious, business, health reimbursement, and educational institutions.
5. Describe practice activities and responsibilities, including consultation, necessary for professionalism along the continuum of care in addictions practice.
    

This course examines the types and actions of substances of abuse, including street drugs, prescribed medications, over-the-counter compounds, herbs and other supplements, and toxic materials. Emphasis is placed on integrating counseling skills with pharmacotherapy while addressing the needs of clients from a variety of cultural and sub-cultural groups. The neurobiological components of abuse and addiction are examined and synthesized with social and psychological variables and risk factors. The effects of abuse and addiction on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology are analyzed to incorporate into treatment planning and program development.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critically evaluate the psychopharmacological and psychophysiological literature.
2. Synthesize counseling theory and techniques with pharmacological information and practices.
3. Distinguish and describe the effects of various substances of abuse on the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of the individual.
4. Formulate an individualized and realistic treatment plan by analyzing and evaluating the physiological, social and cultural, and psychological factors placing individuals at risk to abuse substances.
    

This course provides an integrated overview of the psychology and sociology of psychoactive drug use, abuse, addiction, and evidenced-based treatment approaches in contemporary American society and other world cultures. The complex relationships between individual, family, group, and socio-cultural dimensions of drug using is explored. Special attention is given to variables of age, ethnicity, spirituality, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Examine one’s own biases and prejudices regarding chemical use.
2. Review common and evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and treatment approaches for chemical health from diverse individual, couple, family, and community perspectives.
3. Develop practical and effective skills for interviewing, assessing, and treatment planning for diverse populations considering modalities such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multi-systemic Family Therapy, and Narrative Approaches.
4. Analyze assumptions, strengths, and limitations of approaches such as Abstinence, 12-Step, Harm Reduction, and Responsible Use for diverse groups.
5. Articulate the distinctive treatment issues and needs with respect to individual differences within their cultural context.
    

This course examines effective applications of current theories and models in the diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders and associated issues. The incorporation of bio-psychosocial factors including socio-economics, race, ethnicity, culture and subcultures, and mental health are addressed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Locate, evaluate, and implement theories and models of evidence-based approaches to diagnoses, interventions, treatments, and associated services in the addiction field.
2. Identify and integrate community, networkers, stakeholders, and socioeconomic factors into diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.
3. Apply bio-psychosocial theories including intergenerational, genetic, and environmental factors; and family, partner, and other relationship roles into assessment, intervention, and treatment.
4. Establish effective relationships with clients and other professionals according to one’s role along the continuum of care.
5. Identify the presence of co-occurring disorders and associated issues for coordinating services and evaluating program efficacy.
6. Synthesize and apply ethical, legal, and professional responsibly within the 12-core functions when diagnosing, intervening, and treating along the continuum of care.
    

The course explores the impact of substance abuse and other addictions on the family, individually and systemically. It seeks to offer current understanding of the impacts of developmental effects throughout the lifespan. Historical and contemporary theory and techniques used in the treatment and recovery for individuals and family systems are studied.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Assess the role and adverse effects of addiction on family members.
2. Synthesize theories including intergenerational, mental health, genetic, and environmental into the continuum of care with families.
3. Evaluate, implement, and apply evidence-based treatment approaches, theories, and models currently in practice.
4. Incorporate families and system factors into treatment planning along the continuum of care while satisfying the 12-core functions.
5. Integrate into family practice stakeholders, community connections, support networkers, cultures and sub-cultures along the continuum of care.

This course focuses on providing an understanding of the unique considerations when working within an individual and group format in the continuum of care of alcohol and drug problems. The bio-psychosocial model is used to conceptualize addiction, and prevailing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused Brief, Motivational Interviewing, 12-Step Facilitation, and Harm Reduction strategies are explored. The 12-core functions of addictions counseling provide a framework for navigating the treatment process.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Distinguish between individual and group counseling and case management.
2. Articulate one’s own strengths, growth areas, needs, and motivations to help those struggling with alcohol and drug abuse challenges.
3. Assess ethical dilemmas and legal issues commonly encountered in training and professional practice of alcohol and drug counseling.
4. Differentiate and integrate the prevailing models of treatment when providing services for alcohol and drug abuse challenges.
5. Apply knowledge of drug interactions and brain chemistry for the coordination of care.
6. Apply different evidenced-based strategies for assessment, treatment, and case management.
    

(440 hours) (See  for course description)

(440 hours) Students work in a setting which emphasizes the treatment of individuals with addictions and alcohol and drug abuse problems. This work must consist of a minimum of 880 total hours with the experience divided into two 440 hours of practicum. The student is supervised by an experienced Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at a site licensed by the State of Minnesota to provide alcohol and drug counseling. A practicum seminar is taken concurrently with this work and provides an opportunity for discussion of case materials and concerns related to the practicum setting.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply theories of chemical dependency and addiction to practice.
2. Utilize the 12-core functions in the treatment of clients.
3. Integrate relevant psycho-pharmacological principles and research into practice.
4. Incorporate legal and ethical principles into work with clients.
5. Demonstrate a multicultural perspective in counseling practice.
6. Apply knowledge of family systems and socio-cultural factors to work with clients.
7. Provide effective counseling to clients with co-occurring disorders/dual diagnoses.