Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
Human Services 270
HSER 270
Course Title
Substance Abuse Counseling
Credits
3 Lecture
Date of Outline
October 25, 2005
2. Course Description
Provides theoretical and experiential
training in the prevention,
intervention, and treatment
applicable to a heterogeneous
substance abuse population.
Identifies ethical and legal issues of
working with this population.
3. Contact Hours/Type
3 Lecture
4. Prerequisites
ENG 100 or placement at ENG 100,
HSER 140 or consent
Corequisites
None
Recommended Preparation
HSER 268
Approved by _____________________________________ Date________________
2
5. General Course Objectives
This course examines causes, risk factors and various chemical dependency
models, treatment perspectives and recovery processes. Provides students with
opportunities to examine “best practice” and traditional perspectives in the
treatment of chemical dependency and related outcomes. Examines issues of race,
class, age and gender as related to chemical dependency, addiction and recovery.
6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
a) Articulate definitions of substance abuse and chemical dependency and
compare and contrast diagnostic criteria for each.
b) Compare and contrast contemporary “best-practice” philosophies with
traditional, problem oriented modalities of treatment.
c) Describe basic classes of drugs and their effects on behavior.
d) Identify the twelve core functions, rationale, and application.
e) Describe twelve step sobriety and alternative peer support programs.
f) Compare and contrast qualities of a professional counselor with personal
issues, values, and biases that may influence substance abuse counseling
work.
g) Describe and evaluate ethical and legal issues in substance abuse field.
h) Discuss populations at risk for drug abuse from a cultural, gender, and
diversity sensitive perspective.
i) Write an analysis of a particular aspect of substance abuse counseling.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6, Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning
Outcomes.
2-8 Weeks
Treatment approaches and
interventions (a, b, c, e, f, h, i)
2-5 Weeks
Techniques and dynamics of
counseling (a, d, e, f, g, h, i)
1-4 Weeks
Diagnosis and assessment (a, d, h, i)
1-4 Weeks
Populations “at-risk” and special
populations (h, g, f, i)
1-3 Weeks
Ethics and issues in substance abuse
counseling including HIV/AIDS (g,
h, d, b, a, i)
SOSE 270 – 3/04 rev. 10/05
3
1-4 Weeks
Classes of drugs/effects (c, a, b, d, h,
i)
8. Text and Materials
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be
offered from those then currently available in the field.
Examples:
Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective, by Katherine van Wormer and
Diane Rae Davis, Brooks/Cole (2003)
Substance Abuse Counseling. Lewis, Dana, Blevins. 2001. Wadsworth.
Miller, W., Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 35: Enhancing Motivation for
Change in Substance Abuse Treatment. Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept of Health and
Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1999. (free of charge)
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited
to:
Attendance and participation
Research Project (group and/or individual)
Quizzes
Homework assignments
In class experiential exercises
10-25%
25-40%
20-50%
10-20%
5-15%
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary considerably with instructors, and specific instructional
methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested
techniques might include, but are not limited to:
Written and oral examinations and quizzes
In-class exercises (role playing, etc.)
Homework assignments
Group and individual projects
Projects and research (written reports and/or oral class presentations)
Lecture
Class discussions
Guest lecturers
Audio, visual and internet presentations
Other techniques (Service Learning, Co-op, Self-paced, etc.)
SOSE 270 – 3/04 rev. 10/05