This course will provide an overall introduction to addiction counseling. Since substance abuse may underlie or coexist with a variety of other problems, including family violence, mental illness, health issues, etc., the mental health professional trained in chemical dependency counseling will be better able to assess and intervene appropriately.

AC 501 is offered during the 2nd session (March 21st - May 12th) in the Spring 2022 semester. 

  1. Learn, develop and practice skills, techniques, and strategies specific to addiction counseling.
  2. Describe the addictive process as it affects family structure and the roles characteristically assumed by family members in the presence of addiction.
  3. Recognize personal values and biases regarding substance use and abuse, and to distinguish these from empirical data.
  4. Explore theories and models of addiction related to substance use
  5. Identify roles and settings of addiction counselors
  6. Identify the importance of vocation, family, social networks, and community systems in the addiction treatment and recovery process
  7. Describe techniques and interventions related to substance abuse and other addictions
  8. Identify strategies for reducing the persisting negative effects of substance use, abuse, dependence, and addictive disorders
  9. Develop strategies for helping clients identify the effects of addiction on life problems and the effects of continued harmful use or abuse, and the benefits of a life without addiction
  10. Evaluate and identify individualized strategies and treatment modalities relative to client’s stage of dependence, change, or recovery

A 4-module online format which will include powerpoints, articles, and discussion questions will be utilized (which will require you answering questions much like you would be expected to during an in-person class).   

This course is taught online. Course participants login and participate at a time of day that is convenient for them. It is recommended that participants login at least 4 to 5 times per week and plan on spending 16 to 18 hours per week (combination online and offline) for 7.5 weeks to successfully complete this 3-credit course.  If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.
Restricted to Montana State University students in the Addiction Counseling Certificate  and Health Sciences Programs.  If you are a Non-Degree seeking graduate student wishing to enroll in this class, please contact Dr. Katey Franklin.
1. 

Format: Hardcover; Paperback; e-book

Kuhar, M. (2015). The addicted brain: Why we abuse drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. FT Press.

ISBN-13 #:  978-0134288581

2. 

The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease

Format: Hardcover; Paperback; e-book

Lewis, M. (2015). The biology of desire: Why addiction is not a disease. New York, NY. PublicAffairs.

ISBN-13 #:  978-1610397124

3. 

The Joey Song: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction

Format: Paperback; e-book

Swenson, S. (2014). The Joey song: A mother's story of her son's addiction. Las Vegas, Nevada. Central Recovery Press.

ISBN-13 #: 978-1937612719