In a recent survey, it’s estimated over 65% of adults have experienced addiction, or been affected by a loved one with addiction. This training will be a crash course in explaining what addiction is, what factors cause addiction, and what you as a clinician can do when working with someone who may have a drinking or drug problem. We will explore various theories and myths about addiction, as well as evidence-based interventions and approaches to treatment through lectures, videos, group discussions, and case studies.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the core concepts of addiction
- Differentiate and develop treatment approaches based on the models of addiction
- Analyze how addiction affects the family and discuss treatment interventions at the individual and family level
- Apply learning to case studies & develop a support plan
Social workers completing this course will receive 3 Clinical, General recorded distance learning asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Ethics, Clinical, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Format: This course is a recorded asynchronous distance learning course delivery with downloadable presentation slides and, if applicable, course supplemental handouts. The learner is required to complete an evaluation assessing the applicability of the course to meet their learning and development needs, and pass a quiz based on course content with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test as needed until a satisfactory score is achieved. Once the learner has completed the evaluation and successfully passed the quiz, they will be able to return to their account dashboard and view/download their certificate.
Target Audience: Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists.
For all other questions not addressed, please visit our FAQs page.
Course Syllabus:
I. Defining Addiction
- Addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease (per NIDA)
- Compulsive use despite harmful consequences
- Distinction between use, abuse, and addiction
- Substance impact on brain structure and long-term behavior changes
II. Neurobiological Foundations
- Role of dopamine in reward and habit formation
- Serotonin’s influence on impulse control and stress regulation
- Brain regions impacted: prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, amygdala
- Addiction rewires the brain’s pleasure and decision-making circuits
III. The Cycle of Addiction
- Emotional trigger → craving → ritual → use → guilt → trigger
- The shame-stigma loop reinforcing anxiety and compulsive behaviors
- Physical, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of the addiction cycle
IV. Diagnostic Criteria and Severity
- DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder (11-point checklist)
- Categories: mild (2–3), moderate (4–5), severe (6+)
- Role of tolerance, withdrawal, and functional impairment
- NIAA guidelines for heavy/binge drinking by gender
V. Models of Addiction
- Biological: genetic and neurochemical basis
- Psychodynamic: unresolved childhood trauma and coping mechanisms
- Social learning: behavioral conditioning and cognitive processes
- Moral: addiction as moral failing or lack of willpower
- Disease: chronic condition rooted in brain dysfunction
VI. Impact on Family Systems
- Substance use disorder as a family disease
- Common family roles: enabler, scapegoat, hero, lost child, mascot
- Enabling, denial, justification, and avoidance behaviors
- Multigenerational patterns and survival dynamics
VII. Family-Centered Treatment Approaches
- Continuum from parent-only treatment to family-centered care
- Importance of addressing all family members in planning
- Support resources: Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Frameworks: Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory
VIII. Screening and Intervention Tools
- SBIRT model: Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment
- Tools: AUDIT, ASSIST, MAST, S2BI, 5Ps for pregnant clients
- Motivational interviewing principles: empathy, discrepancy, self-efficacy
- Use of client insight and collaboration in brief interventions
IX. Treatment Options and Continuum of Care
- Detox, inpatient, outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, 12-step
- Collaborative treatment planning tailored to severity and readiness
- Emphasis on stages of change, support systems, and long-term recovery
X. Case Study and Practical Application
- Application of models to real-world case scenarios
- Development of support plans for youth and family systems
- Integrating trauma-informed, developmental, and cultural perspectives
- Reflective discussion and model selection based on case needs
Recording Date: 8/09/2024
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 3hrs Clinical, 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