A Cooperative Effort Between
Idaho State University Department of Health & Nutrition Sciences
and The State of Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FOR ADDICTION STUDIES

  
 
 


BACK TO CADC HOMEPAGE

Introduction to Addictions:    3 credits
Provides an introduction to the essential components of addictions.  This course will give an overview of the four primary aspects of addictions:  the physiology of drugs of abuse and chemical addiction, the assessments and diagnosis of chemical dependency, the treatment of addictive disorders, and topics focused on special populations.

Chemical Dependency and the Family:    3 credits
Provides an overview of functional and dysfunctional families, the impact of chemical dependency of individual and family systems; and treatment modalities and appropriate referral resources.

Helping Theories:    3 credits
Provides an introduction to the essential components and techniques of addiction counseling.  Students will learn the basic facilitation model, group techniques, counseling theories, issues faced by beginning counselors, and characteristics of the effective counselor.

Harmful and Illicit Substances (Pharmacology) :    3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to drug classification systems and specific drugs within each classification.  The psychological and physical effects, signs and symptoms of use, abuse, dependency, overdose, and withdrawal will be studied and presented.

Screening and Assessment of Substance Abuse:    3 credits
Provides a basic understanding of appraisal techniques within an addictions framework.  Promotes competency and ethical responsibility in assessing clients.  Enhances the ability to assess client's needs based on clinical knowledge and instrumentation.

Case Management of Substance Abuse:    3 credits
Provides a basic understanding of case management philosophy and basic case management skills within an addictions framework.  Promotes competency and ethical responsibilities.

Ethics for the Addictions Counselor:    3 credits
This course examines the Ethics Principles of Chemical Dependency Counselors.  It provides information regarding ethical and legal issues in the field of chemical dependency counseling.  Topics include values and the helping relationship, client's rights and counselor responsibilities.

Blood Born Illness:  1 credit
Provides a basic understanding of blood born pathogens/infectious diseases within an addictions framework.  Promotes competency and ethical responsibility in assessing client needs in regard to blood born pathogens/infectious diseases.

Practicum for The Substance Abuse Counselor:    3 credits
Practical experience in a field based setting congruent with the core functions of a chemical dependency counselor including:  assessment, counseling, groups, education, and professional responsibility.

Group Skills for The Substance Abuse Counselor:    3 credits
Designed to introduce students to group counseling theory and practice as a treatment modality in working with chemically dependent clients. A combination of lecture, class discussion, and small group experimental activities will be used to facilitate student learning and development.