SWKR-2053 Preparation for Chemical Dependency Counseling

This course provides an overview of the theories of addiction and evidence-based practices for substance use disorders, with special emphasis on the differences between abstinence-only and harm reduction approaches. Students will learn about legal and ethical issues pertaining to chemical dependency, use of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) for screening and diagnosis of substance use disorders, as well as the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) and Brief MI (Motivational Interviewing) methods of intervention. The SBIRT model is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs, and is recommended by both the Institute of Medicine and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Brief MI is a well-established evidence-based practice that helps to enhance clients’ motivation for treatment. Students will learn both the theory and implementation of SBIRT and Brief MI techniques.