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SSE 121 - Study and Prevention of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction to the study of behavioral health and substance use disorders in the  United States. Includes history of behavioral health and substance use and historical development of prohibitions, classification, diagnosis and assessment. Includes principles of prevention, risk  factors, preventive factors, resilience; and systems-oriented and client-oriented prevention  strategies. Also includes effects of substances in behavioral health, theories of addiction and treatment strategies, cross-cultural perspectives; co-occurring disorders and integrated treatment modalities; strength-based behavioral health assessment; special populations; resources and ethical issues. 

1. Identify the history of behavioral health and prevention of substance abuse, the impact of heredity and environment on behavioral health disorders, the development of behavioral health disorders, community capacities and strength based principles in addressing behavioral health disorders.  (Council on Social Work Education [CSWE] Competencies 4 and 5)
2. Identify the impact of drug use on mental health, including dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders.  (CSWE Competencies 4 and 5)
3. Identify the prevalence of behavioral health and substance use disorders, health care reforms and integrated care, and evidence-based treatment modalities.  (CSWE Competencies 4 and 5)
4. Describe psychoactive substances by category (stimulants, depressants, opiates, opioids & sedative-

hypnotics, psychedelics, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, etc.) and describe their actions on the brain and body, including the mechanisms of tolerance, tissue dependence, withdrawal and craving, as well as other physical and emotional effects.  (CSWE Competencies 4 and 5)

1. Describe the historical development of prohibitions, classification, diagnosis and assessment of behavioral health diagnosis, attitudes toward behavioral health disorders and addiction, and historic and current treatment approaches.
2. Classify psychoactive substances by category and describe their physical and emotional effects.
3. Identify the actions of psychoactive substances in the brain and body including the mechanisms of tolerance, tissue dependence, withdrawal and craving.
4. Identify the criteria for diagnosing behavioral health and substance use disorders.
5. Compare and contrast various approaches to treatment: outpatient, inpatient, residential, partial care, and aftercare and begin survey of evidence based treatment modalities.
6. Discuss the ethical and cultural considerations in dealing with people with behavioral health disorders.
7. Describe ways and whys individuals seek altered consciousness and how this impacts co-occuring disorders.
8. Describe the perspectives of specific cultural groups towards behavioral health treatment and identify efforts to de-stigmatize prevention and treatment.
9. Describe the concept of co-occurring disorders and integrated treatment modalities.
10. Describe criteria used in funding different programs for  behavioral health disorders.

Describe strengths-based behavioral health assessment.

1. History of Behavioral Health and Prevention of Substance Use and
   1. Development of prohibitions
   2. Impact of stigma
2. Principles of Prevention
   1. Risk factors, protective factors, and resilience
   2. Systems-oriented prevention strategies
   3. Client-oriented prevention strategies
3. Classification and Effects
   1. Stimulant drugs
   2. Depressant drugs
   3. Psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs
   4. Prescription drugs
   5. Inhalant drugs
   6.       Steroids and performance enhancing drugs
   7. Process addictions
4. Diagnosis and Assessment of Behavioral Health Disorders
5. Theories and Treatment Strategies
   1. Historical perspective on treatment models
6. Funding Sources for Treatment Programs for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders
   1. Cross-cultural perspectives on behavioral health diagnosis and substance use
7. Co-Occurring Disorders and Integrated Treatment Modalities
8. Treatment Interventions
   1. Medical model
   2. Evidence based practices
   3. Peer support
9. Special Populations
10. Ethical Issues
11. Education, Resources, and Prevention

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