SOCW 105 - Addictions

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course is an overview of historical and current definitions of chemical dependency, alcohol abuse, and process addictions. The effects of addiction on behavior, health, development, family, special populations and society will be discussed. The course will examine the scope of the problem, the nature of addictions, the cause and progression of the disease of addiction. The role of the social work profession in assessment, treatment, and prevention of addictions will be addressed. 

Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOCW 101

A. Define the various forms of addiction. 

B. Identify symptoms of chemical abuse/dependency. 

C. Assess symptoms of process addictions, including food, sex, gaming, and gambling. 

D. Describe the biology of substance abuse and other addictions. 

E. Recognize the sociological, psychological, physiological, and behavioral consequences of addictions. 

F. Explain the role of the social worker in assessment, treatment, and systems of care for individuals experiencing addiction and their families.  

G. Describe the importance of diversity in assessment, treatment, and systems of care for individuals experiencing addiction and their families.  

H. Choose appropriate communication techniques when providing care for individuals experiencing addiction. 

I. Identify current issues in policy and service delivery systems. 

Content
A. Chemical dependency 

B. Symptoms of substance abuse 

C. Symptoms of process addictions  

D. Biological processes  

E. Social, psychological, and behavioral consequences  

F. Role of the social worker 

G. Policy and service delivery 

Student Evaluation
Student evaluation will be based on exams, written projects, group assignments, and class participation. Bibliography
Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. 4th ed. New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 2001. Print.  

Anonymous. The Book That Started It All: the Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2010. Print.  

Boskind-White, Marlene, and William C. White. Bulimarexia: the Binge/purge Cycle. New York: Norton, 1983. Print.  

Carnes, Patrick. A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps: the Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery.  rev. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1993. Print.  

Davis, Caroline, and Jacqueline C. Carter. “Compulsive Overeating as an Addiction Disorder. A Review of Theory and Evidence.” Appetite 53.1 (2009): 1-8. Print.  

Garner, D. M., and A. Gerborg. “Understanding and Diagnosing Eating Disorders.” Handbook of Addictive Disorders: a Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. By Robert H. Coombs. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2004. 275-311. Print.  

Hussain, Z. “The Attitudes, Feelings, and Experiences of Online Gamers: A Qualitative Analysis.” CyberPsychology 12.6 (2009): 747-53. Print. 

Hoffman, John, and Susan Froemke. Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop? : New Knowledge, New Treatments, New Hope. New York: St. Martin’s, 2007. Print.  

Johnson, Jerry L., and George Grant. Substance Abuse: Allyn and Bacon Casebook Series. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon, 2005. Print.  

McNeece, Carl Aaron., and Diana M. DiNitto. Chemical Dependency: a Systems Approach. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Print.  

Pelchat, M. L. “Food Addiction in Humans.” Journal of Nutrition 139.3 (2009): 620-22. Print.  

Power, Cynthia. “Food and Sex Addiction: Helping the Clinician Recognize and Treat the Interaction.” Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention 12.2-3 (2005): 219-34. Print.  

Skoric, M., L. L. Ching-Teo, and Rachel L. Neo. “Children and Video Games: Addiction, Engagement, and Scholastic Achievement.” Cyber Psychology & Behavior 12.5 (2009): 567-72. Print.