Loyola University Chicago

School of Social Work

Graduate Courses

SOWK 722: Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders

Description

This course will inform students about the prevalence of substance use disorders. These disorders are a part of the broad spectrum of social work practice. An assumption of the course is that SUD manifests in a variety of social work practice settings, therefore all social workers must have basic skills to identify, intervene with and refer to SUD-involved clients.

The course will review the history, epidemiology, pharmacology, and policies related to alcohol and other common drugs of abuse. The etiology of SUD Abuse and Dependence, including the primary, progressive, and multi-dimensional nature of addictive diseases will be explored. The importance of relevant social systems (e.g., family, work, and community/society) and spirituality in addiction and recovery will also be discussed, as well as the role of the social worker in a multi-disciplinary approach to SUD prevention and treatment.

SOWK 722 Syllabus