Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Social, legal, political, and ethical considerations surrounding the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Eating disorders and non-substance addictions such as shopping and gambling are studied as well. Includes theories of causes and survey of social consequences; various interventive models tested in treating the alcoholic/addict and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment approaches.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and WebCT, a computer conferencing program. WebCT requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
This course is available in a print-based format. Mail completed assignments to the GIS Office. We will forward them to the instructor for grading.
Prerequisites
UNI students: junior standing
Instructor
Katherine van Wormer, Professor
Evaluation
10 assignments, 1 additional assignment for graduate level credit, 2 exams
Overview
This course is designed for students in the helping professions, addictions counselors already in the field, social workers, teachers, and health educators. The subject matter, though basic, is not simplistic. Readings should generate as many questions as answers. The handouts and readings included in this course have focused on material related to youth and schools, as many of you taking the course are teachers or counselors.
A basic assumption throughout the readings and exercises is that alcoholism and other addiction to illegal drugs, sedatives, food, nicotine, gambling, etc.) are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. A second basic assumption is that prevention is better than cure. In fact, for addiction there may be no cure, only remission; remission may occur spontaneously from spiritual growth or through treatment. Treatment is a major focus of this course. In this course, the student will be introduced to a strengths approach to counseling, an approach that also serves to bridge the gap between the 12 step-based treatment model and harm reduction theory. A biopsychosocial and spiritual understanding of substance abuse and addiction are provided in this course.
Objectives
To acquire an understanding of addiction as a chronic problem and chronic disease. To recognize that relapse is not a failure but an expected phase of the withdrawal process. A familiarity with the ecological model as a framework that identifies biopsychosocial components in alcoholism.
To develop familiarity with harm reduction as a practice and policy and with other major treatment modalities and to recognize that approaches should be individualized for clients.
To recognize the need to meet the client where he/she is in terms of time; to delve into the here-and-now and also to explore the legacy of the past.
To recognize high possibility of recovery, though not cure, for addiction.
To acquire knowledge of alcoholism and drug dependency as a family disease so that interventions may include family members for best results. To discuss the role of the school in identifying and treating children in alcoholic homes. To view the school as a primary source of prevention.
To be familiar with the basic philosophy and principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon.
To acquire knowledge of physiological aspects of alcoholism - addiction, withdrawal, blackouts, tolerance.
To develop a realistic appreciation for the field of alcoholism counseling as a newly emerging area of employment.
To be aware of the stringent requirements for client confidentiality under federal law.
To view the use of substances in cultural and international perspective. To be aware of special treatment needs of diverse populations in American society.
Course organization
Written assignments will be graded on thoughtfulness, relevance to the question, thoroughness of responses, and organization of material in the body of the writing. Please type each question out before you answer it. Average length is about one long paragraph or two short paragraphs; creative assignments generally should be a page. Even though you will not be asked to submit answers to all questions, students are responsible for the content of all questions for testing purposes.
For research assignments and to view videos for all students, the UNI library and Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa—Substance Abuse Information Center are highly recommended. Call 1-800-729-6686. Videos may be viewed for the optional creative assignments. This library ships to public libraries, universities, agencies, etc. free of charge but there is a mail charge to return. The Cedar Rapids library has an outstanding film collection as well as all the major substance abuse journals in the field.
Exams
The Midterm Exam will be taken after the completion of Assignment 6. The Final Exam will be taken after the completion of Assignment 12. Both exams will be based on the information gleaned from the assignments for the most part. The Final Exam concentrates on the last six assignments, but may contain ideas from earlier work. The exam format will be a combination of matching, short answer and essay questions.
Students often ask how to prepare for the exams. Review all the questions with each chapter and the concepts listed in this booklet with each chapter.
Grading
For undergraduates, grades will be assigned to all assignments and examinations with written assignments composing 1/3 of the final grade; the Midterm Exam 1/3 of the final grade and, of course, the Final Exam contributing 1/3 of the final grade.
For graduate students each of the above components will be worth 1/4 of the final grade with a 10 to 15 page research paper comprising the final fourth. This paper will offer an in-depth focus on one of the special populations covered in Chapter 10 of the text. This paper will discuss issues of etiology, marketing of the product to this population, and proposals for prevention and treatment pertinent to the special group.
Please note that UNI Guided Independent Study requires that you complete all assignments and exams to pass the course.
93 - 100 = A
90 - 92 = A-
87 - 89 = B+
83 - 86 = B
80 - 82 = B-
77 - 79 = C+
73 - 76 = C
70 - 72 = C-
67 - 69 = D+
63 - 66 = D
60 - 62 = D-
0 - 59 = F
Textbook(s)
Van Wormer, K. & Davis, D. Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective. 2nd ed. (2007) (Wadsworth).
Texts are available from the vendor of your choice or
University Book and Supply
1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu