HUSR 1323 - Special Problems Alcohol/Substance Abuse Treatment

This course is designed for students specializing in the field of chemical dependency treatment, and will focus on the special issues, problems and treatment dilemmas in the field of alcoholism and substance abuse counseling. A significant portion of class time will be devoted to ethical decision making and clarifying healthy professional boundaries. Through lecture, assigned readings, group presentations and class discussions, students will develop an increased awareness and understanding of the multiplicity of problems potentially coexisting with the presenting substance problem. These include, but are not limited to, a history of family violence, neglect, incest, other substance abuse/dependence, psychiatric disorders, and AIDS. Students will also develop an awareness of the special issues faced by particular subgroups, and will learn specific intervention strategies to be utilized in the treatment of these groups, which include, but are not limited to, adolescents, women, the elderly, gays and lesbians, and the non-white population.