The Treatment of Substance Abuse in Families and Couples
Area II Course
This 45-hour self-study course focuses on the treatment of substance abuse for couples and
individuals within the context of the family. It includes an overview of substance abuse treatment research
and evidence-based methods for effectively intervening with individuals, couples, and families who are
impacted by substance misuse and abuse, including motivational interviewing, behavioral couples therapy,
and brief strategic family therapy. The course employs a developmental perspective and includes treatment
methodologies for both adult and adolescent substance abusers.
Educational Objectives:
Recognize when referral for specialized substance abuse care is necessary.
Describe the epidemiology, etiology, phenomenology, effective treatments, course, and prognosis for substance use disorders.
Clarify the clinical needs and implications for persons with substance and mental health problems.
