PSYC160 The Psychology of Addiction and Substance Abuse
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Psychology
- I. Course Number and Title
- PSYC160 The Psychology of Addiction and Substance Abuse
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- PSYC100 (C or better) or PSYC110 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- None
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course analyzes the development, intervention, and treatment of drug abuse, alcoholism, and codependency. Family dysfunction and its results are examined, as well as specialized techniques in counseling. Various intervention strategies are discussed.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- identify the available resources pertaining to substance abuse;
- examine the various causes of addiction, such as family dysfunction;
- describe the addictive process with substance abuse as it relates to various drugs (marijuana, cocaine/crack, heroin, and other substances);
- describe the similarities and differences among various addictions;
- describe and critique the models of primary prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention;
- describe and analyze appropriate therapeutic interventions used in substance abuse counseling; and
- identify the various psychological research methods.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- personality traits
- characteristics of the drug abuser's family
- substances: marijuana, cocaine/crack, alcohol, heroin
- other addictions: relationships, eating disorders, and co-dependent behaviors
- abuser's history -- genogram evaluation and intervention strategies
- family, parenting, and development of the individual
- treatment techniques
- cultural factors and their impact on treatment techniques
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, classroom exercises, class or online participation, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructor's course format will be utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 11/98; 4/2010Revised; New Core 8/2015