COED 683 | Radford University

COED 683: Assessment and Applied Interventions for Substance Use Disorders

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of assessment practices and applied counseling interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders. Students will examine evidence-based and emerging approaches to assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. 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:

Terms, Models, and Ethical Issues in Substance Use Disorders
Brain Basics and the Neuroscience of Substance Use Disorders
Substance Classifications, Effects, and Associated Dangers
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying CBT in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Relapse Prevention in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Group Theory in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Family Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Solution-Focused Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Adlerian Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Gestalt Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Applying Existential Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Key Considerations and Theory Integration

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course will be taught synchronously online via zoom and include weekly discussion board assignments, a case study paper related to substance use and assessment and treatment planning, and student presentations regarding the use of substance abuse assessments and treatment planning. A mid-term and a final exam will be uploaded into D2L.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

Describe the major theories explaining substance use and addiction.
Describe the purpose and process of commonly used assessment tools for substance use disorders.
Explain the principles and core concepts of evidence-based and alternative counseling approaches to addictions.
Apply assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention strategies to a case study scenario.
Differentiate between individual, group, and family counseling approaches, identifying strengths and weaknesses to different techniques.
Analyze case vignettes during in-class activities to identify and assess differing presenting issues, co-occurring disorders, special populations, cultural considerations etc. and how these factors influence assessment and treatment planning.
Compare empirically supported therapies with less empirically supported approaches.
Evaluate treatment planning decisions based on client needs, assessment data, and cultural considerations.
Assess relapse prevention strategies and determine their effectiveness in addressing long-term recovery.
Design a hypothetical individualized treatment plan that incorporates assessment findings, treatment goals, interventions, and relapse prevention strategies to a hypothetical client.

Assessment Measures

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

Discussion Board Rubric

Case Study Paper Rubric

Multiple Choice and Essay Mid-Term Exam

Multiple Choice and Essay Final Exam

Attendance and Participation

Other Course Information

Required Text:

Lewis, T. F. (2024). Substance use disorder treatment: Practical application of counseling theory (Revised 2nd ed.). Cognella Academic Publishing.