Resources for Students
Many educational institutions offer academic preparation for individuals to gain employment as alcohol and drug counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 22% growth in demand for behavioral health counselors until 2028.
The focus of the majority of such programs is on treating addictions. Little attention is paid to preparing students for the policy development proves that shapes the nature, scope and funding of the addictions treatment enterprise.
Descriptive materials for certificate programs offered by universities and professional development organizations regularly emphasize the development of skills to prepare for or enhance employment opportunities in a clinical setting. Typical offerings for the aspiring professional counselor are “Counseling Techniques”, “Brief Intervention Therapies”, and “Enhancing Motivation for Change”.
From a public policy perspective, the alcohol and drug problems field encompasses some of the most provocative, controversial and challenging issues facing society, yet little attention is paid to preparing addiction professionals to weigh in on issues such as drug legalization, alternatives to incarceration, health care and welfare reform, decreasing stigma, harm reduction and anti-discrimination advocacy.
Addiction professionals in training face considerable challenges mastering a complex body of theoretical and practical clinical material. The low compensation and high caseloads tend to screen out persons not committed to the work for personal experiences. However, personal commitment and clinical skill development do not prepare the new professional to understand and effectively weigh in on public policy matters that affect our nation’s treatment system. It is imperative that professional preparation include robust public policy curricula and experience if the addictions field is to evolve its ability to meet future policy challenges.
To this end John developed and has been teaching aspiring addictions professionals in academic institutions such as the University of California and California State University, East Bay. Early in his teaching career he helped to start an innovative counselor training program at San Quentin State Prison. His courses are unlike more traditional offerings and are designed to challenge conventional ideas and increase critical thinking skills.
John’s current teaching is at the University of California, Berkeley and San Diego where he teaches:
Cultural, Social and Historical Overview of Alcohol and Drug Problems, and
Law and Ethics for Addiction Professionals
Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery
Addiction Science: Psychology and Pharmacology
Addiction Problems: Prevention, Public Health and Public Policy
Addiction and Recovery: Etiology and Physiology
Cultural, Social and Historical Overview of Alcohol and Drug Problems
John teaches Cultural, Social and Historical Overview of Alcohol and Drug Problems at the University of California.
Course Description
In this class we explore the complex cultural and socio-historical factors that have shaped contemporary understanding of drugs including alcohol as well as problems associated with their use. The relativity of such conceptions is amply revealed in the radical shifts in public opinion and policy regarding particular substances observed across time and place. From the vantage point afforded by historical and cross-cultural perspectives, we can gain a better appreciation for the importance of all-too-frequently overlooked environmental influences in shaping societal attitudes as well as usage patterns of various substances. Complementing pharmacological (drug-centered) and psychological (user-centered) explanations, which continue to dominate our understanding of substance use and abuse, the neglected role played by diverse contextual factors is the key concern here. Throughout the course, we pay careful attention to issues of race, class, and political climate in examining societal perspectives and policies (e.g., punitive vs. humane) towards particular substances and their user populations.
Grounded in a healthy awareness of the confusion and controversy which surround licit and illicit drug use in American society, the readings and class discussions are intended to stir up a potpourri of spirited thought. In so doing, the course provides a forum for constructive dialogue on such highly charged issues as models of addiction and recovery, legalization voter initiatives, prohibition, national drug policy, harm reduction, and the overall impact and implications of the current “war on drugs.” Asked to critically assess conventional wisdom and research findings, those enrolled in this course are also challenged to envision the kind of programs and policies they believe would best address the widespread use, misuse, and abuse of drugs in our society today.
Course Purpose
The course is intended for persons exploring a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor or who are interested in understanding the complexity of societal responses to the problems created by substance use disorder.
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a foundation of critical thought designed to prepare for a career as an alcohol and drug counselor. Special attention is paid to the social construction of concepts including: addiction, treatment, alcoholism, recovery and disease. A secondary emphasis is placed on understanding the funding and policy arenas that shape how Americans either fight or reject the “war on drugs.”
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Explain foundational concepts in substance use disorder treatment and recovery,
Critically review treatment innovations and policy strategies with an understanding of their evidence base,
Have a working knowledge of key historical milestones in the development of the modern addiction treatment system,
Articulate a personal philosophy that encompasses recreational and problematic use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs,
Describe several models of addiction treatment and mutual aid approaches,
Explain the pros and cons of 12-step and non-12-step approaches to recovery.
Course Materials/Textbooks
Shavelson, Lonny, Hooked: Five Addicts Challenge Our Misguided Drug Rehab System, New York: The New Press, 2001.
White, William L., Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America, Normal: Chestnut Health Systems, 1998.
Information about course schedules, fees and to enroll is available directly from:
Law and Ethics for Addiction Professionals
John teaches Law and Ethics for Addiction Professionals at the University of California, San Diego.
Course Description
This course is intended to familiarize students with both legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the practice of substance use disorder treatment. Students will learn about appropriate roles and behavior to avoid liability and prevent harm to clients. Through case studies, readings, lectures and interaction with the instructor the course explores such issues as confidentiality, duty to warn, mandated reporting, responsibility to third parties, ethical decision-making and legal remedies for discrimination experienced by people in or in need of recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction.
Assisting individuals struggling with alcohol and drug problems almost invariably means that caregivers must understand the complexities of treatment, but also the intricacies of the criminal justice system through which many enter long term recovery. For example, what do you do if treatment notes are subpoenaed? How are threats of harm to be reported? Similarly, ethical problems abound in substance use disorder treatment. Can one be both a friend and a counselor? What is the counselor’s responsibility to the family of his/her clients?
Course Materials/Textbooks
Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21, Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes of Professional Practice, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Technical Assistance Publication (TAP)18, Checklist for Monitoring Alcohol and Other Drug Confidentiality Compliance, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex, 2009, California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Legal and Ethical Issues for Addiction Professionals, David B. Washington and Michael Demask, 2008, Hazelden Foundation.
Optional:
Berton, Jennifer D., Ethics for Addiction Professionals, 2014 (New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons).
Taleff, Michael J., Advanced Ethics for Addiction Professionals, 2010, (New York: Springer Publishing).
White, William, 2014, The History of Addiction Counseling in the United States, Alexandria: NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals).
Information about course schedules, fees and to enroll is available directly from:
Course Purpose
The course is intended for persons exploring or preparing for a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or who are interested in understanding the complexity of legal and ethical responses to the problems created by substance misuse.
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a foundation of critical legal and ethical thought designed to prepare for a career as an alcohol and drug counselor. Special attention is paid ethical conduct, protections against discrimination, and the laws and regulation that govern the practice of alcohol and drug counseling.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws, qualifications, rights, responsibilities and duties of the substance use disorder treatment professional.
Understand basic federal confidentiality treatment protections as outlined in the Public Health Service Act, Title 43, Section 290 dd-3 of the United State Code (formerly CFR Title 42 Part 2).
Be able to adopt and practice the minimum code of conduct for counselors outlined in § 13060 California Code of Regulations.
Possess an understanding of how to use ethical principles in decision-making concerning events, dilemmas and issues presented by clients in treatment or recovery.
Be able to counsel clients about the discrimination protections afforded them by Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand and articulate how the modern continuum of services for persons with a substance use disorder is organized and operated.
2. Appreciate the history and evidence-base underlying current approaches to treatment and recovery.
3. Have an understanding how people’s lives are impacted by SUD and the personal mechanisms engaged through treatment and recovery that can restore health and well-being.
Course Purpose
The course is intended for persons exploring or preparing for a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or who are interested in understanding the complexity of current approaches to treating and recovering from a substance use disorder.
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a foundation of clinical understanding designed to prepare for a career as a professional alcohol and drug counselor. Special attention is paid to how treatment and recovery play out in the real lives of real people.
Course Materials/Textbooks
Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment 3rd Edition, National Institute on Drug Abuse. PDF Download from:
Treatment Improvement Protocol 27: Comprehensive Case Management for Substance Abuse Treatment, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
PDF Download from:
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4215.pdf
Augusten Burroughs, (2003) Dry: A memoir, New York: Picador.
OPTIONAL
RECOMMENDED
Fletcher, Anne, Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment-and How to Get Help That Works, Viking Press, 2013.
Marlatt, Alan G., Harm Reduction: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviors, New York: The Guilford Press, 1998.
Addiction Science: Psychology and Pharmacology
Course Purpose
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Understand and articulate recent findings and lessons from psychology that illuminate the complex causes and varied courses of substance use disorders.
Appreciate the historical evolution of our knowledge about addiction and recovery.
Articulate an understanding of currently popular illicit drugs of abuse as well as the medications available to treat substance use disorder.
Recognize the importance psychological, existential and spiritual components to understanding addiction and assisting afflicted persons into recovery.
The course is intended for persons exploring or preparing for a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or who are interested in understanding the complexity of current research activities and evidence regarding substance use disorder psychology and pharmacology..
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a wholistic foundation for understanding designed to prepare for a career as a professional alcohol and drug counselor. Readings and activities will acquaint students with current thought and research from leading national leadership institutions. Through the use of first person and biographical accounts, special attention is paid to how substance use disorder and recovery play out in the real lives of real people.
Course Materials/Textbooks
National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH, The Science of Addiction: Drugs, Brain, and Behavior, Download from:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/preface
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Medication for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder, Download from:
Jamison, Leslie, The Recovering: Intoxication and its Aftermath, ISBN/ASIN 978031659583
OPTIONAL
RECOMMENDED
Fletcher, Anne, Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment-and How to Get Help That Works, Viking Press, 2013.
Marlatt, Alan G., Harm Reduction: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviors, New York: The Guilford Press, 1998.
Sachs, Oliver, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales, 1985.
Addiction Problems: Prevention, Public Health and Public Policy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course students will:
Understand the interaction between treatment systems and environmental/individual prevention strategies.
Be able to articulate the differences between public health and primary/secondary/tertiary prevention approaches.
Be familiar with real-world applications of public policy that address alcohol and drug problems.
Understand the role of the professional alcohol and drug counselor as also a prevention advocate.
Course Purpose
The course is intended for persons exploring or preparing for a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or who are interested in understanding the complexity of current theories and practice regarding prevention and public policy.
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a wholistic foundation for a comprehensive understanding of alcohol and drug problems designed to prepare the student for a career as a professional alcohol and drug counselor. Readings and activities will acquaint students with current thought and research from leading national leadership institutions.
This is an asynchronous online course and lasts seven weeks.
Textbook: Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic, San Quinones, Bloomsbury Press, 2015 ISBN: 978-I-62040-251-8
Addiction and Recovery: Etiology and Physiology
Course Purpose
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the evolution of theories and social constructs that explain substance use disorders.
2. Articulate why and how individuals use and misuse alcohol and drugs.
3. Possess a humanistic appreciation for the role that alcohol and drugs can play during the human life cycle.
The course is intended for persons exploring or preparing for a career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or who are interested in understanding the complexity of current theories and practice regarding our understanding of substance use disorder.
Course Goal and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a wholistic foundation for understanding substance use disorders designed to prepare for a career as a professional alcohol and drug counselor. Readings and activities will acquaint students with current thought and research from leading national leadership institutions. Through the use of first person and biographical accounts, special attention is paid to how substance use disorder and recovery play out in the real lives of real people.
Course Materials/Textbooks
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, 2016. 413 pages. Download from:
https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-generals-report.pdf
Vreeland, Jon, The Taste of Cigarettes, Vine Leaves Press, 2018, ISBN: 978-925417-68-5, 185 pages.
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