This course focuses on the causes and consequences of substance use disorders as they relate to the individual, family, community, and society. Response alternatives regarding intervention, treatment, education, and prevention are reviewed. Substance use disorders are examined within the context of developmental life stages and culture. Prereq: Admission to the MSW Program or Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Certificate Program. 3 credits.

This course involves an in-depth exploration of the ethical, legal, and behavioral issues facing the substance use disorder clinician. State laws are discussed with an emphasis on the distinctions between legal versus ethical responsibilities of the clinician. The student will learn about confidentiality rules and regulations, client’s rights, and responsibilities. Students will be introduced to ethical issues surrounding harm-reduction strategies. The student will be familiar with the National Association of Social Workers and North Carolina SuCode of Ethics, and avenues for addressing ethical dilemmas or problems that arise in a variety of clinical, supervisory, and consultative settings. The course includes an overview of unique problems and needs related to substance use disorder treatment among diverse populations and the application of culturally sensitive intervention strategies. Prereq: Admission to the MSW Program or Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Certificate Program. 3 credits. 

This course examines the neurobiology and biomedical bases of substance use disorders. Students will develop a broad scientific perspective on the biology of substance use disorders and build a discriminative understanding of different classes of substances of abuse. This course emphasizes biomedical factors as they play a role in etiology, epidemiology, natural history, expression, adverse consequences, treatment, and prevention of diverse substance use disorders. The biological bases of substance use disorders include genetic factors, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological factors that predispose one to substance dependence, medical consequences of drug abuse, and pharmacological interventions. The course introduces fundamental principles of brain function, with emphasis on the physiology, chemistry and pathologies of single neurons and simple neural circuits. Prereq: Admission to the MSW Program or Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Certificate Program. 3 credits.  

This course is designed to cover the key content necessary for developing a comprehensive understanding of a complex body of knowledge that is filled with certainties and uncertainties, science and speculation, dogma and theory, as well as opinion and silence. Topics covered include ethnocultural influences, sociocultural aspects, models of treatment, family work, and group support. Prereq: Admission to MSW Program or Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Certificate Program. 3 credits.