MEC 6600 Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling

This course addresses the fundamental concepts and issues necessary to gain a basic understanding of drug/alcohol counseling. Candidates will be able to define chemical dependency and describe the various models of addiction. Criteria for Substance Abuse Disorders will be examined and applied to illustrative case studies. Candidates will also be able to identify and discuss the unique clinical issues involved in treating the rising population. These include: denial and defenses, stages of recovery, relapse and relapse prevention counseling, shame and guilt, co-occurring disorders, effects on the family, intervention, and 12-Step groups. Modalities of treatment and treatment practices will also be discussed. The candidates will gain an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be an effective counselor. The candidates will be introduced to a code of ethics for the professional and will be able to discuss its importance.