COED 682 | Radford University

COED 682: Drugs, Society, and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture.

This course explores the societal dimensions of substance use and addiction in the United States, as well as professional and ethical issues associated with addictions counseling. This course is required for the Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Topics for this course will include, but are not limited to the following:

An Introduction to Drug Use
Rates and Patterns of Drug Use
A History of Drug Use
A History of the War on Drugs
Who Uses Which Drugs and Why?
Drugs in the Media
Drug Trafficking
Drugs and Crime
Drug Law and Treatment
Legalization, Decriminalization, and Harm Reduction
Alcohol and Tobacco
Marijuana and Club Drugs
Cocaine and Amphetamines
Heroine and Narcotics
Introduction to NAADAC Code of Ethics
The Counseling Relationship
Confidentiality and Privileged Communication
Professional Responsibilities and Workplace Standards
Working in Culturally Diverse World
Assessment, Evaluation, and Interpretation
Use of E-Therapy, E-Supervision, Artificial Intelligence, and Social Media
Supervision, Consultation, and Education
Addressing Ethical Concerns
Research and Publication
National Peer Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
Ethics Pertaining to Member Organizations

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course will be taught synchronously online via zoom and include weekly discussion board assignments, case studies related to substance use and ethical dilemmas, student presentations regarding aspects of substance use and addiction, and will conclude at the end of the semester with a D2L final exam.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Define and summarize key social theories, historical contexts, and policy shifts related to substance use and addiction in the United States.
Explain the impact of social norms, stigma, and subculture on drug use and addictive behaviors.
Differentiate between structural, cultural, and individual factors that contribute to addiction in different populations.
Assess how stigma and cultural narratives shape both public opinion and clinical practice in addiction counseling.
Reflect on personal biases and values when considering approaches to counseling individuals with substance use issues from diverse backgrounds.
Integrate course knowledge into a comprehensive framework for ethical, empathetic, and contextually informed counseling practice.
Identify the principles of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Code of Ethics and related professional ethical standards in addiction counseling.
Recall key federal and state regulations that govern confidentiality and professional practice in addictions counseling
Discuss how cultural diversity, social justice, and systemic inequities shape ethical decision-making in addictions practice
Apply the NAADAC Code of Ethics to case-study vignettes by citing specific standards to support decision-making.
Examine ethical considerations that need to occur in practice when using emerging technologies such as e-therapy, AI, and social media.
Design a presentation and lead a class discussion that engages peers in a dialogue about ethical principles and dilemmas in addiction counseling.

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

Discussion Board Rubric

Case Study Rubric

Multiple Choice and Essay Final Exam

Attendance and Participation

Other Course Information

Required Textbook:

Goode, E. (2025). Drugs in American society (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.