COU 635 Chemical Dependency from Systems Perspective
This course examines the distinction between a disease model and systemic views of addition and treatment, and cultivates a binocular approach to understanding substance abuse and dependence from a relational context. A number of therapeutic approaches are illuminated from systemic framework, including traditional and postmodern treatment approaches. A selected review of outcome research will highlight the efficacy of a systemic perspective for treatment of substance abuse and addiction. The course presents the epidemiology and theories of the etiology of substance use and co-occurring disorders, as well as the working knowledge of the neurobiological basis of addiction and its underlying mechanisms.