This five (5) hour course is designed to meet the requirements of continuing education units toward recertification of workers in care facility settings. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of substance abuse, including understanding dependency, physiological and psychological effects, drug classifications, symptomology � both short term and long term, recovery and treatment models, identifying common co-occurring disorders, and a brief history of substance abuse/misuse and substance abuse treatment. The course will facilitate discussion on special populations (including youth, developmentally disabled, and communities of color) and encourage participant contributions of experience with the topics. Upon conclusion the participants will have a better working understanding of the topics, accessing resources, and their application and/or integration into their professional work.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Identify the cycle of use, abuse, and dependency
2. Identify common physiological and psychological signs and symptoms of substance abuse
3. Understand commonly associated co-occurring mental health disorders
4. Have a greater knowledge of typical recovery timelines and treatment programs
5. Explain efforts to made to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, and diminish health disparities