3 credits

Psychology and sociology of drug use and abuse. Topics include life-span, epidemiological, familial, cultural data regarding use; fundamentals of licit and illicit drug use behavior; also variables of gender, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, sexual orientation, and disability.

·Describe the patterns, prevalence, trends, risk and protective factors, signs and symptoms of alcohol and other drug abuse in selected populations.

·Distinguish and evaluate the various biological, psychological, sociological and family systems models that seek to explain the etiology of drug using behavior, addiction, and the treatment of addiction.

·Acquire an appreciation and understanding of the complexity of various social reactions to substance use and abuse in contemporary American society.

·Discuss and analyze the implications of various cultural groups’ attitudinal and behavioral norms regarding substance use and abuse and the implications of these norms for treatment and prevention.

·Articulate the effects of family systems dynamics on the development and treatment of drug problems.

·Articulate the distinctive treatment issues and needs of members of ethnic minority groups, women, gays and lesbians, and older individuals.

·Identify and demonstrate components of “cultural competence” in understanding substance abuse and related problems.

9 hours per week, including class time

Brown, S., & Lewis, V. (1999). The alcoholic family in recovery: A developmental model. New York: Guilford Press.  ISBN: 1-57230-834-6

Fisher, G.L., & Harrison, T.C. (2000). Substance Abuse  (2nd Edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.  ISBN: 0-205-30622-5

Dorris, M. (1990) The Broken Cord.  New York: Harper-Collins.

*The instructor may assign additional required readings during the semester.