SOW 117 - Theories of Addiction and Recovery

 
Description
This course provides an interdisciplinary examination of substance use, addiction and recovery through the lens of theory and evidence. Drawing from sociology, psychology, criminology and social work, students explore how individuals, families and communities are impacted by chemical dependency. Emphasis is placed on understanding addiction as a biopsychosocial phenomenon and evaluating how systems of care, stigma and social structures shape both harm and healing. The course prepares students to think critically about the causes and consequences of addiction, laying a foundation for practice in human services, counseling or social work.

CSWE Required Competencies 

This course is designed in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). As a theoretical foundation in the social work curriculum, SOW 117 addresses competencies required for accredited social work programs. The following competencies align with the course learning outcomes and prepare students for continued study and future licensure pathways:

1. Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Competency 2: Engage Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) in Practice
3. Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism in Practice
4. Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
5. Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
6. Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
7.  Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

1. Identify the major categories of commonly misused substances and their physiological effects. (CSWE Competency 6)
2. Analyze the biophysical/biomedical model of addiction and its implications for treatment. (CSWE Competencies 5, 6, 7)
3. Evaluate psychological theories related to addiction, behavior and Motivation. (CSWE Competency 6)
4. Compare and contrast sociological theories on substance use, social deviance and social norms. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 5)
5. Discuss spiritual and cultural paradigms in understanding and addressing addiction. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3)
6. Apply theoretical frameworks to assess the impact of addiction on individuals, families and communities. (CSWE Competencies 6, 7, 8)
7. Reflect on how bias, stigma and systemic inequities influence substance use and treatment access. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 6)

1. Biopsychosocial model of addiction
2. Biophysical effects of commonly used substances  
3. Psychological and behavioral theories of addiction  
4. Sociological theories of deviance and substance use  
5. Cultural and spiritual approaches to recovery  
6. Historical and contemporary perspectives on substance use  
7. Trauma, stigma and systemic oppression  
8. Recovery models and intervention strategies  
9. Impact of addiction on families and communities  
10. Interdisciplinary perspectives in addiction treatment  

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship
• Quantitative Science & Reasoning

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