Module - Final Assignment: Demonstrating your Understanding

Overview

Throughout this course you learned about the various aspects of substance abuse counseling including common terms, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, assessment, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and cultural implications. Your final project will help you to synthesize all of your learning and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the major effects of depressants, stimulants, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, and inhalants on the human brain and biological and physiological processes of the body.

2. Understand the procedures and process for assessment and diagnosis of substance disorders.

3. Analyze and apply the diagnostic criterion and distinguishing features between substance dependence and substance abuse.

4. Analyze and discuss the major medical issues and diseases that are either caused by or exacerbated by substance addiction

5. Describe the genetic, biological, environmental, social, psychological, and philosophical influences of addiction.

6. Understand the special needs and treatment recommendations for individuals with dual diagnoses and/or polysubstance abuse.

7. Analyze and apply the main techniques, strategies, or approaches of common treatment options for substance addiction.

8. Explain the typical risk and protective factors that impact different populations, including, but not limited to, children; adolescents; adults; the elderly; women; men; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people; people with disabilities; and different ethnic groups.

9. Describe the various dynamics of relapse and prevention and be able to structure a treatment plan that incorporates these concepts.

10. Analyze and discuss ethical issues inherent in substance abuse counseling.