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DAC 141 Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Counseling

This introductory course examines the physiological, psychological, and sociological impact of substance use disorders. Emphasis is on the disease concept of addiction and its progressive nature (systems approach).

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: HMS 121

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DAC 141 Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Campus Location

  • Dover

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 use disorders. Emphasis is on the disease concept of addiction and its progressive nature (systems approach).

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.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Discuss the basic terms of the addictions field, including drug use, abuse, misuse, addiction, dependency, and codependency. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3)
  2. Identify the appropriate classifications of drugs of abuse reflecting the major physiological and behavioral effects. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 3, 4)
  3. Describe the impact that drug and alcohol use/abuse has on society and cultures, including the effects on healthcare, political, and criminal justice systems.  (CCC 2, 3, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5).
  4. Explain one's personal understanding of substance use disorders, including the various causal factors that determine the condition. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 2, 3, 4, 7)
  5. Evaluate the various treatment modalities and program interventions used as best practices in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, including the skills and competencies required of the treatment professional. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)
  6. Analyze the major components of an effective drug and alcohol prevention program. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)
  7. Use appropriate technology to access important sources of information relevant to the drug and alcohol treatment field. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3)

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. Discuss the basic terms of the addictions field, including drug use, abuse, misuse, addiction, dependency, and codependency.
    1. Explain drug use, misuse, addiction, dependency, and codependency.
    2. Demonstrate correct use of these terms in oral and written discussion.
  2. Identify the appropriate classifications of drugs of abuse reflecting the major physiological and behavioral effects.
    1. Identify the various drugs of abuse.
    2. Recognize and classify each drug of abuse as to its major properties.
    3. Examine the effects of each drug of abuse on the body.
    4. Examine the effects of each drug of abuse on behavior.
  3. Describe the impact that drug and alcohol use or abuse have on society and culture, including the effects on the healthcare, the political, and the criminal justice systems.
    1. Identify data collection results used to measure the societal impact of substance use disorders.
    2. Analyze the impact of drug and alcohol use/abuse on our culture and society.
    3. Research the relevant laws pertaining to the possession, manufacture, and use of controlled substances in Delaware and the United States.
  4. Explain one's personal understanding of substance use disorders, including the various causal factors that determine the condition.
    1. Identify the major theories used to explain the causal factors of substance use disorders.
    2. Explain one's personal definition and understanding of addiction and the recovery process.
    3. Explore the implications of one's personal understanding as a professional in the field.
  5. Evaluate the various treatment modalities and program interventions used as best practices in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, including the skills and competencies required of the treatment professional.
    1. Identify various treatment modalities and program interventions.
    2. For each of the modalities, evaluate the skills, competencies, and education required of treatment professionals.
  6. Analyze the major components of an effective drug and alcohol prevention program.
    1. Identify the primary approaches and components to drug and alcohol prevention programs.
    2. Explore the effectiveness of the drug and alcohol prevention programs.
  7. Use the appropriate technology to access important sources of information relevant to the drug and alcohol treatment field.
    1. Use the library, Internet, and popular media to research topics in the drug and alcohol treatment field.

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.

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.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal