Drug use went up among 8th graders between 2016 and 2020 – 61%. 62% of teenagers in 12th grade have abused alcohol. 50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once.
Rarely has there been such a divide between science and public opinion as there is with the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Due to the widespread legalization of marijuana, public perceptions have changed greatly about THC use. Its availability has created great concern within the therapeutic community.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the endocannabinoid system.
- Dispel several common myths surrounding the use of marijuana.
- Identify the key issues THC use presents in therapy.
- Define 5 of the symptoms of THC use disorder.
Course Syllabus:
Introduction and Overview
- Understand the growing public acceptance of marijuana
- Examine the gap between public perception and scientific research
- Discuss the implications of legalization on clinical practice
- Review evolving trends in THC potency and cannabis product development
Objective #1: Recognizing the Endocannabinoid System
- Define the endocannabinoid system and its function in the body
- Explore how THC interacts with the brain’s reward and regulatory pathways
- Understand the system’s role in mood, sleep, appetite, and memory
Objective #2: Dispel Common Myths About Marijuana
- Examine common misconceptions such as marijuana being non-addictive
- Discuss marijuana’s impact on adolescent development, academic performance, and motivation
- Review statistics on cannabis use disorder and dependency
- Address misinformation related to marijuana and mental health conditions
Objective #3: Key Therapeutic Issues Related to THC Use
- Educate clients and families about the potential for substance use disorder
- Understand legal implications and age-related restrictions for marijuana use
- Address marijuana’s impact on therapy including impaired focus and memory
- Set appropriate boundaries for in-session substance use
- Discuss how marijuana may hinder progress by masking underlying issues
- Explore marijuana’s effect on IQ, motivation, and emotional regulation
Objective #4: Identifying Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder
- Define cannabis use disorder according to clinical criteria
- Identify symptoms including tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, and continued use despite consequences
- Recognize behavioral and cognitive signs such as reduced participation, stress dependence, and impaired memory
- Understand that symptoms are often reversible with intervention and support
Objective #5: Treatment Considerations and Action Steps
- Implement structured client education and early intervention strategies
- Use role plays and cognitive restructuring to support decision-making and refusal skills
- Establish protocols and expectations for substance use during treatment
- Support clients in exploring healthier coping alternatives and motivations for change
- Collaborate with families to address enabling behaviors and reinforce boundaries
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Paul Hardy, D.Min. NMAC, CSAC
Recording Date: June 23, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com