COU67290/PSY6729 - Chemical Dependence and Addiction Issues

(3 units)

This course is designed to support students to acquire the knowledge, and to develop the skills and professional dispositions, associated with assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals with substance abuse issues. During the course, students will learn the properties of commonly abused substances and current theories concerning the etiology of substance abuse; tools for assessment and screening of substance use and co-occurring disorders; evidence-based treatment approaches; population-based vulnerabilities and risk factors; the impact of ecosystemic risk and protective factors; and relapse prevention strategies. The impact of culture, values and worldview, as well as common ethical issues that arise during substance abuse counseling, will also be explored.