Training Description:

Introduction to Substance Use Disorders: This training provides a broad overview of how substance use progresses from experimental or recreational stages to severe dependence, offering counselors insight into key terms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence. Participants will explore the biopsychosocial model of addiction, which examines biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to substance use. By completing this course, counselors can expect to gain a strong foundational understanding of addiction, learn common terminology, and appreciate the complexity of factors that influence clients substance use.

Course Learning Objectives

  1. Identify the Continuum of Substance Use

  2. Examine the Various Motivations for Substance Use

  3. Understand Key Addiction Terminology

  4. Explain the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction

  5. Recognize Risk and Protective Factors

Receiving Credit: In order to receive credit for the training you must complete the interactive question within the training. If you do not complete the embedded quizes, when you get to end of the training you will not receive credit until you complete the embedded quiz questions. In Addition, you must complete the 50 item quiz at the end of the training and receive at least an85% before receiving your certificate. You do have the option of retaking the quiz until you reach the approved score. Once you submit your quiz, you will receive your certificate with in 24 hours.

Key Terms: Click each key term for definition. Worksheet at the end

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Training Agenda
  1. Course Introduction & Overview (Approx. 10 minutes)

  2. Pharmacological Mechanisms of Commonly Abused Substances (Approx. 20 minutes)

  3. Distinguishing Substance-Specific Effects and Presentations (Approx. 20 minutes)

  4. Recognizing Withdrawal Syndromes and Toxicity Risks (Approx. 20 minutes)

  5. Educating Clients on the Physiological Impacts of Substance Use (Approx. 20 minutes)

  6. Applying Pharmacological Knowledge to Tailored Treatment Planning (Approx. 20 minutes)

  7. Course Conclusion & Next Steps (Approx. 10 minutes).

  8. Additional Resources & Feedback: Information on further readings, resources for continued learning, and instructions on providing course feedback.

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Additional Resources Related To This Training

Substance Use Disorders: Signs,
Common Addictions, Treatment Options



Articles Related To This Training

  1. Title: Substance use disorders: a comprehensive update of classification, epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical aspects, treatment and prevention.

  2. Title: Addiction recovery: Its definition and conceptual boundaries

  3. Title: The Process Addictions and the New ASAM Definition of

  4. Defining Recovery From Alcohol Use Disorder: Development of an NIAAA Research Definition

  5. Introduction to psychoactive substances

  6. Family Therapy and Treatment For Substance Use Disorders (Good Overview Of SUD)