Saint Joseph’s University

Psychology of Addictions

PSY 1445

Intersession  2008

  1/2 -1/12 2008

 

Instructor:      Paul W. Toth, Ph.D.

Phone:            610-635-7458  Direct Line (Eagleville Hospital)

E-Mail:           Ptoth@sju.edu

 

Text:  Stevens, P. & Smith, R. (2005).  Substance Abuse Counseling:  Theory and Practice. (3rd ed.).  Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.  New Jersey.

 

            Course Description:  Provide a working knowledge of the dynamics of addiction both physical and psychological.  Diagnosis, intervention, treatment and prevention of addiction will be discussed as will special populations related to addictions.

 

Course Objectives: 

·       Develop an understanding of how addiction interacts physically and psychologically on the person

·       Discuss and compare various treatment approaches for addictions

·       Discuss the use of treatment allies such as AA/NA, Alanon/Naranon

·       Discuss special issues related to addiction

 

A brief quiz will be given at the beginning of each class.  The quiz will be on material covered during the previous class and the readings from that class.  Only the five (5) highest grades will be counted toward the final grade.

 

Each student will attend an OPEN 12-Step Meeting and write a 5-page paper discussing the experience.  Details to follow!

 

Each student will be involved in a history taking exercise.  This will entail interviewing a member of the class and taking down their history.  The personal information does not have to be theirs, it can be fabricated.  This is to help with interviewing techniques and assessment and writing skills.

 

Attendance is mandatory.  Each unexcused absence will result in a one-point drop from the final grade.   Active participation is required.

 

Students with Disabilities:  For those who have a documented learning, physical or psychological disability who are requesting reasonable academic adjustments, you are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities, Room 113, Sciences Center, 610-660-1774 or 610-660-1620 early in the semester.  If you suspect that you have an undiagnosed disability (learning, physical, psychological), please contact Services for Students with Disabilities to discuss this concern.

It is important to discuss instructional needs and accommodations with your professor early in the semester.

All requests for extended-timed testing must be discussed with your professor at a minimum of one week prior to the date of each exam.

 

Evaluation/Grade:

·       Quizzes (Top 5)                30%

·       12-Step Reflection Paper  10%

·       History Taking Exercise 10%

·       Class Participation           10%

·       Final                                  40%

 

Grades are as follows:  A=90 – 100, B=80 – 89, C= 70 – 79, D= 60 – 69, F= Below

 

Class Schedule:

 

1/2                         Introduction & Stevens & Smith – Chapter 1

 

1/3                         Stevens & Smith– Chapter 2

 

1/4                         Stevens & Smith – Chapter 3

 

1/5                         Stevens & Smith – Chapter 4 & 5

 

1/7                         Stevens & Smith – Chapter 6 & 7

 

1/8                         Stevens & Smith – Chapter 8 & 9

 

1/9                         Stevens & Smith – Chapter 10

                             

1/10                       Stevens & Smith – Chapter 11 and History Taking Exercise

                             

1/11                       Stevens & Smith – Chapter 12  and 12-step meeting paper due

 

1/12                       Final and Wrap-up