Addressing Substance Abuse in Social Work

This course provides social workers with a comprehensive understanding of alcohol and drug use disorders, covering biological, psychological, and social aspects. Participants will gain skills in evidence‑based assessment tools, intervention strategies, and treatment modalities tailored for diverse populations.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

AUTHORS: Beth Hagan, Ph.D. and Rachel Kalina, MSW, LCSW COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

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DirectorEducation Pathways, LLC provider # 0000, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 00/00/2025–00/00/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

In this online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

Key topics include ethical considerations, co‑occurring disorders, and relapse prevention, equipping practitioners to enhance competence and deliver culturally responsive care.

This course equips social workers with evidence‑based tools to assess, treat, and prevent substance use disorders, addressing biological, psychological, social, ethical, and cultural considerations.

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Learning Objectives:

1. Describe key definitions and concepts related to substance use disorders.
2. Compare and contrast major theoretical models of addiction.
3. Explain neurological and physiological processes in addiction.
4. Apply evidence‑based screening and assessment tools.
5. Evaluate treatment approaches including behavioral therapies, MAT, and harm reduction.
6. Demonstrate awareness of diverse populations’ needs in addiction treatment.
7. Assess the impact of co‑occurring mental health disorders.
8. Design relapse prevention plans tailored to client needs.
9. Analyze ethical and legal issues in substance use practice.
10. Identify social work roles in prevention, recovery, and policy advocacy.
11. Apply theoretical knowledge to real‑life case scenarios.

View Course Timed Agenda

1. Introduction to Addiction and Substance Use (15 min)

Definitions: use, misuse, abuse, dependency, addiction
Commonly abused substances (alcohol, opioids, stimulants)
Historical and cultural context
Stigma and language in addiction work

2. Theories and Models of Substance Use Disorders (19 min)

Disease model
Biopsychosocial model
Moral and choice models
Behavioral and cognitive‑behavioral models
Psychodynamic and trauma‑informed models
Sociocultural theories

3. Neurobiology and Physiology (17 min)

Brain structures and neurotransmitters
Reward system and reinforcement
Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal
Effects of substances on brain and body

4. Assessment and Diagnosis (18 min)

Screening tools (CAGE, AUDIT, DAST)
DSM‑5‑TR criteria
Biopsychosocial assessment
Motivational interviewing in assessment
Identifying co‑occurring disorders

5. Treatment Modalities and Interventions (19 min)

Detoxification and stabilization
Behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, contingency management)
Medication‑assisted treatment (MAT)
Motivational interviewing (MI)
12‑Step and mutual aid groups
Harm reduction approaches
Trauma‑informed and culturally responsive interventions

6. Special Populations and Considerations (16 min)

Adolescents and youth
Older adults
LGBTQIA+ individuals
Racial/ethnic minority groups
Pregnant/parenting individuals
Justice‑involved populations
Veterans

7. Co‑Occurring Disorders (14 min)

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other comorbidities
Integrated treatment approaches
Case management and collaboration

8. Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support (18 min)

Stages of change model
Warning signs and triggers
Coping strategies and skills training
Long‑term recovery planning
Peer support and recovery coaching

9. Ethical and Legal Considerations (15 min)

Confidentiality and mandated reporting
Informed consent and autonomy
Involuntary treatment
Boundaries and self‑disclosure
Addressing impairment in colleagues

10. Social Work Roles and Systems‑Level Interventions (14 min)

Advocacy and policy change
Community outreach and prevention
Interdisciplinary teamwork
Addressing social determinants of addiction

11. Case Studies and Application (15 min)

Sample vignettes and discussion prompts
Ethical dilemmas and decision‑making
Multidisciplinary collaboration in treatment planning

🕒 Total Instruction Time

180 minutes (3 CEU Hours)

🌟 Key Takeaway

This course equips social workers with knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively assess, treat, and support individuals with substance use disorders, while addressing ethical, cultural, and systemic challenges.

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$69.99 USD

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