(16 Credits/Hours)
Launch Date: August 5, 2025
Expires: August 31, 2027
Course Overview
This continuing education course provides healthcare professionals, social workers, counselors, and other allied health professionals with essential knowledge and skills for recognizing substance abuse in various settings. The course covers evidence-based approaches to identifying signs and symptoms of substance use disorders, understanding risk factors, and implementing appropriate screening and referral protocols.
Participants will learn to differentiate between various types of substance abuse, recognize behavioral and physical indicators, understand the impact of substance abuse on individuals and families, and develop competency in documentation and ethical considerations related to substance abuse recognition.
This course is designed to meet continuing education requirements for healthcare professionals and is applicable across multiple disciplines including nursing, social work, counseling, psychology, and allied health fields.
Table of Content
- Foundations of Substance Abuse Recognition
- Types of Substances and Their Effects
- Recognition and Assessment
- Screening and Assessment Tools
- Special Populations and Considerations
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Considerations
- Intervention and Referral
- Case Studies and Practical Applications
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Knowledge Objectives
- Define substance use disorders according to current diagnostic criteria and classification systems
- Identify the prevalence, risk factors, and demographic patterns associated with various substance use disorders
- Describe the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and their clinical implications
- Distinguish between different classes of substances and their characteristic effects on behavior, cognition, and physical health
- Explain the relationship between substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions
Assessment and Recognition Objectives
- Recognize physical signs and symptoms indicative of acute intoxication, withdrawal, and chronic substance abuse
- Identify behavioral, psychological, and social indicators that may suggest substance use disorders
- Demonstrate knowledge of validated screening tools and their appropriate application in various clinical settings
- Apply age-appropriate and culturally sensitive approaches to substance abuse recognition
- Differentiate between normal behavior variations and substance abuse indicators across different populations
Clinical Application Objectives
- Implement systematic screening protocols using evidence-based assessment instruments
- Conduct effective clinical interviews that elicit relevant substance use history while maintaining therapeutic rapport
- Document substance abuse concerns appropriately in medical records while adhering to legal and ethical standards
- Develop appropriate referral strategies based on severity of substance use and available resources
- Apply brief intervention techniques appropriate to scope of practice and clinical setting
Professional Practice Objectives
- Analyze legal and ethical considerations related to substance abuse recognition and documentation
- Evaluate professional responsibilities and limitations when encountering substance abuse in practice
- Integrate trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches in substance abuse recognition
- Establish appropriate professional boundaries while providing compassionate, non-judgmental care
- Create safety protocols for managing emergency situations related to substance abuse
Communication and Collaboration Objectives
- Communicate effectively with individuals suspected of substance abuse using non-confrontational, motivational approaches
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members in developing comprehensive care plans
- Educate patients and families about substance abuse risks and available resources
- Advocate for appropriate treatment resources and services for individuals with substance use disorders
