MCCCD Program Description

Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

Course: SWU130

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Sociological, psychological and physiological aspects of addictive behaviors and chemical abuse. Consideration of a variety of treatment programs offered in community agencies.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the major themes in history concerning addictions and substance use disorders and how they have perpetuated myths and stereotypes. (I, II) 2. Identify major drugs and activities of abuse by general category, their primary effects, associated complications with use, and key withdrawal symptoms. (III) 3. Analyze the medical model of chemical dependency and addiction, identifying the primary and secondary symptoms in each stage. (IV) 4. Examine denial as it relates to chemical dependency and addiction. (V) 5. Describe the relapse process and the factors that both increase and decrease the probability for relapse. (VI) 6. Explain the family illness concept and the roles family members assume when dealing with an addiction problem. (VII) 7. Evaluate the purpose and effect of intervention. (VIII) 8. Compare the steps, traditions and concepts of each of the self-help groups. (IX) 9. Describe the levels of care and their eligibility criteria. (X) 10. Analyze ethical issues facing the chemical dependency field. (XI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Historical Overview of Addiction, Alcohol and Other Drugs A. Major Themes B. Major Events C. Technology D. Legislation II. Myths and Stereotypes Related to Historical Themes A. Notion of Good and Bad Chemicals B. Drug Effects and Consequences C. Alcoholic Personality D. Images of Addicts/Alcoholics E. Blue/White Collar Drinks and Ladies` Drinks F. Treatment III. Licit and Illicit Drugs A. CNS Depressants 1. Primary Effects 2. Complications 3. Withdrawal B. CNS Stimulants (Sympathomimetics) 2. Complications 3. Withdrawal C. Hallucinogens - Perceptual Distorters 1. Primary Effects 2. Complications 3. Withdrawal D. Inhalants 1. Primary Effects 2. Complications 3. Withdrawal E. Underground Chemistry 1. Primary Effects 2. Complications 3. Withdrawal IV. The Medical Model of Chemical Dependency A. The Disease Concept B. Number One Major Health Problem C. Effects on Major Life Spheres D. Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome E. Use of Disulfiram in Treatment V. Denial A. Definition B. Triggers of Denial C. Purposes of Denial D. Patterns of Denial Relating to Grief E. Counseling Techniques VI. Relapse Process A. Description B. Prevention and Treatment Planning C. Counseling Implications for the Client and Family D. Chronic Relapses VII. The Family Illness Concept A. Systems Theory B. Communication Patterns C. Roles and Characteristic Feelings VIII. Counseling Approaches A. Management of Illness Core Issues B. Psychological Core Issues C. Theoretical Approaches and Techniques D. Intervention Models E. Effects IX. Self-Help Groups A. Historical Overview B. Clinical Concepts C. Steps and Traditions D. Use and Abuse of Self-Help Groups X. Treatment A. Levels of Care B. Eligibility Criteria C. Treatment Goals for Levels of Care D. Appropriate Treatment Levels XI. Ethical Issues A. The Social Drinking or Social Marijuana Using Counselor B. The Non-Recovering Eating Disordered Counselor C. What to do with the Counselor Who Relapses D. Sexual Attraction to Clients E. Dating Co-Workers F. Keeping Census Up Through Inappropriate Admissions G. Tobacco Use and the Counselor H. Behaviors of Clients (e.g. Rape, Abuse, Pregnancy, AIDS)

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 13, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.