DAC 141 Intro Drug & Alcohol Counseling

This introductory course examines the physiological, psychological, and sociological impact of substance and behavioral addiction disorders. Additional exploration is on prevention strategies, treatment concepts, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: HMS 121

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DAC 141 Intro Drug & Alcohol Counseling

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

2024-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: HMS 121

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This introductory course examines the physiological, psychological, and sociological impact of substance and behavioral addiction disorders. Additional exploration is on prevention strategies, treatment concepts, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Additional Materials

None.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

Participation in community service learning is a requirement of this course. 

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

 

1. Compare and contrast historical perspectives on drugs and substances of use, including how those led to current societal and governmental positions. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 2, 4)

2. Categorize addictions by their physiological and behavioral effects. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 3, 4)

3. Explain current trends in substance abuse and behavioral addictions, and their effects on healthcare, government systems, and society. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)

4. Analyze the major components of best practice prevention and treatment approaches to address substance abuse and behavioral addictions (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7)

5. Explain how co-occurring mental health disorders and addictions impact one another. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)  

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Compare and contrast historical perspectives on drugs and substances of use, including how those led to current societal and governmental positions.
    1. Describe historical perspectives on drugs and substances of use.
    2. Interpret current societal and governmental positions on substance use. 
    3. Compare and contrast historical perspectives in substance use to current positions in society and government.
  2. Categorize addictions by their physiological and behavioral effects.
    1. Define the basic terms of addictions.
    2. Define the classifications of substances and addictions.
    3. Categorize substances of use into classifications by their physiological and behavioral effects.
  3. Explain current trends in substance abuse and behavioral addictions, and their effects on healthcare, government systems, and society.
    1. Discover emerging, current, and declining trends substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
    2. Examine consequences of addiction trends on healthcare, government, and society. 
  4. Analyze the major components of best practice prevention and treatment approaches to address substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
    1. Differentiate between addiction prevention and treatment approaches.
    2. Explain best practices in the development of prevention and treatment programs.
    3. Describe competencies needed by addiction counselors.
  5. Explain how co-occurring mental health disorders and addictions impact one another. 
    1. Explain co-occurring disorder.
    2. Identify the most common co-occurring mental health disorders.
    3. Compare the treatment of addictions to the treatment of mental health problems.
    4. Describe the impact of addictions and mental health on one another.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exams (Summative – Equally Weighted)

     

50%

 

Project (Summative)

15%

Formative – Quizzes, community meeting observation, discussion boards, case studies, class participation activities. (Not weighted equally)

35%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Create and maintain effective and professional documents relevant to Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
  2. Interact ethically and professionally within the Drug and Alcohol Counseling field.
  3. Apply information to identify client’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources to create a treatment plan.
  4. Provide effective client services at an entry level by utilizing professional Drug and Alcohol Counseling principles and practices.
  5. Establish effective working relationships within the Drug and Alcohol Counseling arena.
  6. Apply basic management and leadership skills in Drug and Alcohol Counseling environments, including time management, organization, and the ability to follow directions.
  7. Utilize feedback to assess the effect of oneself on Drug and Alcohol Counseling outcomes and make adjustments accordingly.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.