COUN 6902 - Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40032,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Meghan Fawcett
Email: mjfortner@ysu.edu
Course Description
6902 . Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling . This course provides a comprehensive overview of chemical dependency and process addictions. There will be an emphasis on all aspects of addiction, including etiology, classification, physiological effects of substances, theory, assessment, interventions, and recovery models. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | A Contemporary Approach to Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Counseling | Brooks, F., & McHenry, B. | 9781394222742 |
| Required | Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior | Hart, C. L., & Ksir, C. J. | 9781260711059 |
| Optional | Publication manual of the American Psychological Association | American Psychological Association | 9781433832161 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | B&MC Chapters 1, 13 DS&HB None |
Introductions, Syllabus review Overview of Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Training and certification. CACREP: AC A 6 | |
| 8/31 | B&MC Chapter 3 DS&HB Chapters 1 - 5 |
Etiology and statistics of SUDs Terminology, definitions, and drug classifications. Physiological and neurological impacts of substance use Abstinence Assignment (begins today after class). CACREP: AC A 1, AC A 3 | Identify item for abstaining - see abstinence journal |
| 9/7 | NO CLASS, LABOR DAY | ||
| 9/14 | B & Mc: N/A DS&HB: ch. 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 | Tolerance, routes of administration, Overview of substance classes and types, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A 1, AC A 3 | Abstinence Journal 1 |
| 9/21 | B & Mc: ch 5 DS&HB: N/A | Overview of process addictions, Theoretical models of substance use disorders, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A 2, AC A 5, AC A 6 | Abstinence Journal 2 |
| 9/28 | B & Mc: ch 4 DS&HB: ch. 10, 11, 12 | Screening, assessment, and diagnosis of substance use disorders: A biopsychosocial-spiritual approach, CACREP: AC A1, AC A 2, AC A 3 | Abstinence Journal 3 |
| 10/5 | B & Mc: ch 6 DS&HB: ch. 8, 17 | Screening, assessment, and diagnosis part two, Co-occurring disorders, Treatment planning and placement criteria, Case study discussion, CACREP: AC A 1, AC A 2, AC A 3, AC A 6 | Abstinence Journal 4 |
| 10/12 | B & Mc: ch 7 DS&HB: N/A | Treatment approaches and working with clients-a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach, Working with self-protective clients Counseling skills, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A 5, AC A 6 | Abstinence Journal 5 AA/NA Support Group Meeting Paper Due via BB |
| 10/19 | B & Mc: ch 10 DS&HB: N/A | Counseling skills part two, Group counseling, Managed care issues, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A4 | Abstinence Journal 6 |
| 10/26 | B & Mc: ch 11, 12 DS&HB: N/A | Relapse and relapse prevention, Recovery and Support Systems, Spirituality and Recovery, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A 4, AC A 5, AC A 6 | Abstinence Journal 7 |
| 11/2 | B & Mc: ch 8, DS&HB: N/A | Working with families impacted by substance use disorders Family recovery perspectives, Case study discussion, CACREP: AC A 1, AC A 2 | Abstinence Journal 8 |
| 11/9 | B & Mc: ch 2 & 9 DS&HB: N/A | Risk factors and prevention of substance use disorders, Grief and loss in addiction, Special populations and substance use disorders, Case study discussion, CACREP: AC A 2, AC A 4 | Abstinence Journal 9 |
| 11/16 | B & Mc: ch 14 DS&HB: ch. 18 | Self-care for addiction counselors, Ethical issues in substance use disorder counseling Advocacy, Case study discussion CACREP: AC A 1 | Abstinence Journal 10 Substance Use and Film Paper due by class time on BB |
| 11/23 | Group Presentations | ||
| 11/30 | Group Presentations | All Presentations due - everyone must provide a submission on BB | |
| 12/7 | Final | Online - submit by end of class time on BB |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.