DAC 240 Families & Addiction

This course examines the impact of addiction on the family. Emphasis is on reviewing models of family dysfunction and methods of treating the addicted family.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: DAC 141

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DAC 240 Families & Addiction

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

2025-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DAC 141

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course examines the impact of addiction on the family. Emphasis is on reviewing models of family dysfunction and methods of treating the addicted family.

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

None.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe the foundations of addiction as they relate to the family and the continuum of use and abuse. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 3, 4)
  2. Evaluate the impact and role of family in treatment and recovery. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)
  3. Analyze the impact that addiction has on the family. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 3, 4)
  4. Describe the co-occurring disorders that are seen within families experiencing addiction. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  5. Create a family history through the use of genograms. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5)
  6. Differentiate between the use of various therapeutic strategies within different cultures. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 1, 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. Describe the foundations of addiction as they relate to the family and the continuum of use and abuse.
    1. Explain the correct use of addiction terms as related to the family system.
    2. Describe and summarize the implications of codependency.
    3. Explain various assessment and treatment approaches of codependency.
  2. Evaluate the impact and role of family in treatment and recovery.
    1. Describe the concept of the family as a system.
    2. Identify how the actions of individual family members impact other members of the family.
    3. Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy family traits.
    4. Compare and contrast treatment approaches used in family therapy.
  3. Analyze the impact that addiction has on the family.
    1. Describe how addiction can become the main focus of the family system.
    2. Summarize the primary roles adopted by family members.
    3. Recognize adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies within the family system.
    4. Examine the impact of childhood experiences as they relate to addiction on adult development.
    5. Explain the stages of family addiction and their characteristics.
    6. Write a referral to aid and support the family system using community resources.
  4. Describe the co-occurring disorders that are seen within families experiencing addiction.
    1. Identify the various co-occurring disorders that are experienced in families with addictions.
    2. Describe the methods used in treating co-occurring disorders within the family system.
    3. Explain the family models of treatment.
  5. Create a family history through the use of genograms.
    1. Identify the major components of a genogram.
    2. Interpret a genogram showing at least three generations of family history.
    3. Apply appropriate genogram symbols and terms to portray family history.
    4. Analyze the impact family history has on the client and family members.
  6. Differentiate between the use of various therapeutic strategies within different cultures.
    1. Explain how cultural differences impact substance abuse behaviors.
    2. Differentiate between cultural issues that arise in treatment planning and prevention.



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

Summative Assessments

Exams (Equally Weighted)

40%

Genogram

20%

Paper/Project/Presentation

20%

Formative Assessments

The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to:

Quizzes

Discussion boards

Case studies

Community meeting observation

Class participation activities

(These assignments are not equally weighted)

20%

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 online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.