CPSY 630 - Alcohol and Drug Counseling

This course is an overview of current theoretical and clinical approaches to etiology, diagnosis, treatment of alcohol and drug dependency. It addresses the fundamental concepts and issues necessary to gain the basic understanding of alcohol and drug counseling. Students will be able to define the chemical dependency and describe the various models of addiction. They will also explore the roles of personality factors, physiological, psychological and spiritual effects. Students will be able to identify and discuss the clinical issues involved in treating drug-dependent individuals. This includes such issues as the use of denial and defense mechanisms, stages of recovery, relapse and relapse prevention counseling, shame and guilt, co-occurring disorders, effects on family intervention and 12-step groups. Students will gain an understanding of the knowledge, skills, abilities required to be an effective counselor.