SAPP 407—Controversies in Recovery
Credits 3 - Graded or Pass/No Pass Option
CRN: 26649 (Undergraduate) Winter 2012
Day/Time: Thu, 6:00 PM - 8:50 PM (111 LIL)
Course Type: Long Course
Instructor: Skip (Charles) Christensen
E-Mail: charlesc@uoregon.edu
Office Phone: 541-346-4135
Office Location: 180 Esslinger
Office Hours: Make an appointment by email
Course Description:
The intent of this course is to provide the student with general knowledge of the controversies
in recovery from addiction in the growing population. This class will briefly describe some
basic addiction principles and how they apply to our world view of recovery. Also, we will be
discussing addiction identification, treatment and chemical interactions among popular
prescription drugs and alcohol. By presenting the theories in this fashion we will show how
each theory can account for some aspect of what we know about alcohol and drug abuse.
With one exception however, each theory is shortsighted and limited in its ability to
comprehensively explain all that we know about alcohol abuse and addiction on a macro
level. After discussing current and historical theories of alcohol abuse and addiction to other
chemicals, we will present a model which is integrative and comprehensive.
Course Reference Materials:
Controversies In The Addiction Field, Ruth C.Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor), can be found here:
http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/cbook/tabcont.html
TIP 13 can be found here:
http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/tips/13.htm
The instructor may require additional readings or activities which may be given during each
class
Course Goals:
Course Goals:
Upon completion of this course, students will:
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Reference and discuss current academic literature
Understand various family responses to addicted Adults
Understand Addiction to Alcohol and Prescription Drugs
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Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of addiction
Ability to express the controversies in addiction treatment
Demonstrate an ability to identify an early recovery model and discuss decision
making before treatment ends
Have an awareness of local and national substance abuse prevention resources
Course Requirements:
This is an asset-based course where all efforts will be recognized. Class time will include
discussion, presentation and occasional in-class activities. Your final course grade will reflect
your participation in class discussions and activities, written assignments and final papers.
Attendance and punctuality help create an environment of success. Classes will begin
promptly. Occasionally, a challenge question, based upon assigned readings and/or class
discussion from the previous class, will be written on the board. Students will have the first 10
minutes of class to write a response and turn it in. Students arriving late will not be permitted
to respond to the question.
Grading Criteria:
There are a total of 100 points in this course. Students must have a minimum of 55 points to
pass this course with a "P" (C- or above for undergraduate work). Breakdown of points is as
follows:
30 points = Attendance, Participation and Challenge Questions
30 points = Mid-term
40 points = Final paper or project
100 points = TOTAL
90 - 100 = A
Exceptional; significantly exceeds the highest standards in all aspects of the course
80 - 89 = B
Very good, maintains high standards in most assignments and active class participation
70 - 79 = C
Meets basic standards of the course. Overall contribution to class is positive
60 - 69 = D
Deficient in several ways. Only minimally acceptable
59 or less = F
Failing; very poor performance
Student Attendance Expectations:
Mandatory attendance. Unsatisfactory attendance will have a drastically negative impact on
your grade unless approved or excused by instructor.
Class Deliverables:
Midterm 1:
Week 6
Students will have the opportunity to select the type of mid-term he/she will take. Students will
choose between a multiple question or short essay midterm or a midterm class presentation
relevant to the topic of class. All tests will be available at the beginning of class during week 6
and will be taken or presented in class.
Final Examination:
Week 10
Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in elderly addiction by
presenting a final presentation project. Final projects should be presented individually, (group
presentations upon approval), and will be presented during the final class. The instructor must
approve final project topics no later than the 8th week. All presenters should allow for a
'question and answer' period from the class regarding the presentation.
Readings & Assignments by Week
Please complete all readings BEFORE class. You may access these readings through the
SAPP Website and/or Blackboard as assigned by the instructor. Additional readings may be
required throughout the course.
Week 1:
Title:
What Is The Nature Of Alcoholism And/or Drug Addiction?
Description/Assignments:
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The Grand Unification Theory of Alcohol Abuse: It's Time to Stop Fighting Each
Other and Start Working Together
Introduction
Model Descriptions
Public Health Model
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 2:
Title:
Evidence for a Genetic Factor in Alcoholism
Description/Assignments:
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Family Studies
Adoption Studies
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Twin Studies
What is inherited?
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 3:
Title:
Neurobiological & Genetic Basis for Alcoholism Based Upon Research in Animal Models
Description/Assignments:
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Genetic Variability in Response to Alcohol in Humans
Genetic Variability in Responses to Alcohol in Experimental Animals
Genetic Animal Models for the Study of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior and
Alcoholism
Associated Traits of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 4:
Title:
Neurobiological Basis of Alcohol Reinforcement and Drinking
Description/Assignments:
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Basis of Discrepancy
Controversy in Alcohol Research
Nature of Reinforcement
Brain Metabolites, Opiate Receptors, and Alcoholism
THP-Induced Alcohol Drinking
A Unique Controversy
Perpetuation of the Controversy
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 5:
Title:
Environmental Basis for Alcoholic Disorders: Future Prospects*
Description/Assignments:
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Children of Alcoholics (COA's)
Sociocultural
Interactional
Biological
A Conversation With An Addicted Adult
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 6:
Title:
Why We Should Reject The Disease Concept of Alcoholism*
Description/Assignments:
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Midterm (first half of class)
Involving The Family Physician
Take Advantage Of A Crisis
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 7:
Title:
The Biopsychosocial Model: Application to the Addictions Field
Description/Assignments:
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Historical Background
Humanistic Psychology
General System Theory
Need for an Integrated Theory
Biopsychosocial Model
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Biological Factors
Psychosocial Factors
Principles of the Biopsychosocial Model
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 8:
Title:
Do We Need A Variety Of Public Policies To Prevent Alcohol Abuse?
Description/Assignments:
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Effects of alcohol controls
Competing interests in alcohol controls
Public policies
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 9:
Title:
Flawed Policies from Flawed Premises: Pseudo-Science about Alcohol and Drugs
Description/Assignments:
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The fallacy of the control model of prevention
Playing the Numbers
The fabrication of consensus documents
WAR ON DRUGS!!!
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
Week 10:
Title:
Should The Minimum Drinking (PURCHASE AGE) Be Lowered?
Description/Assignments:
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Longitudinal studies
Effects of attempts
Cultural aspects
Presentation of projects or research papers
Final
Instructor and course evaluations
Readings:
Controversies in the Addiction Field Ruth C. Engs, RN, Ed.D. (Editor)
SAPP adheres to and supports the U of O policies listed below.
For information about them click on the link we have provided or call us at 346-4135.
Use of Personal Technology & Literature:
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Laptops may ONLY be used in class for the purpose of note taking. Web surfing,
games, instant messaging, email, and working on homework for other classes tends to
be distracting to others and is prohibited during class time. If you find you must do
otherwise, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you
will not earn participation points for that day.
Non-course materials - Magazines, books, newspapers and other literature, including
homework from other classes, may be a distraction for others in class and is therefore
prohibited. Please save these activities for time other than in class.
Music/Video player use during class is strictly prohibited. This is a definite distraction
for others.
Cell phones are to be silenced and not used during class time. This includes sending or
receiving calls or use of text messaging. If you find you need to use your cell phone,
please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn
participation points for that day.
Documented Disability:
http://ds.uoregon.edu/
Email disabsrv@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Phone: (541)-346-1155 TTY: (541) 346-1083
University of Oregon Policy on Academic Integrity and Dishonesty:
http://studentlife.uoregon.edu/programs/student_judi_affairs/academic-dishonesty.htm
Student Conduct Code:
http://studentlife.uoregon.edu/programs/student_judi_affairs/conduct-code.htm
Bias Response Team:
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~brt/
Phone: 346-1139
Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, Discriminatory Harassment, and Grievance
Procedures:
http://aaeo.uoregon.edu/