Introduction to Substance Use Disorders: This training provides
a broad overview of how substance use progresses from experimental or recreational
stages to severe dependence, offering counselors insight into key terms such as
tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence. Participants will explore the biopsychosocial
model of addiction, which examines biological, psychological, and social factors
contributing to substance use. By completing this course, counselors can expect
to gain a strong foundational understanding of addiction, learn common terminology,
and appreciate the complexity of factors that influence clients substance use.
Course Learning Objectives
Identify the Continuum of Substance Use
Examine the Various Motivations for Substance Use
Understand Key Addiction Terminology
Explain the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction
Recognize Risk and Protective Factors
This is a web-based self-paced training which provides 2 hours substance specific
board approved hours. The content for this project has been curated or developed by author Michael Daniels
MSW, LCAS, CCS, LCSW and other many amazing professionals who have donated their expertice and time to
ensure practitioners entering the addiction profession have access to quality trainings without barriers
of finance and access.
Receiving Credit: In order to receive credit for the training you must complete the interactive question within
the training. If you do not complete the embedded quizes, when you get to end of the training you will not
receive credit until you complete the embedded quiz questions. In Addition, you must complete the
50 item quiz at the end of the training and receive at least an85% before receiving your certificate. You do have
the option of retaking the quiz until you reach the approved score. Once you submit your quiz, you will receive
your certificate with in 24 hours.
Key Terms: Hover over each key term for definition. Worksheet at the end
A spectrum that categorizes substance use
from no use to severe dependence, including experimental use,
regular use, risky use, dependence, and substance use disorder.
The initial stage of substance use where
individuals try a substance out of curiosity or social pressure.
A pattern of substance consumption that
occurs consistently, though it may not yet lead to negative consequences.
The stage where substance use starts leading
to negative consequences, such as impaired judgment, risky behaviors, or minor health effects.
A condition where the body adapts to a substance, leading
to tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when not used.
A medical condition characterized by an inability to
control substance use despite negative consequences, impacting daily life and health.
A framework explaining addiction as an interaction of
biological, psychological, and social factors rather than a single cause.
Genetic predisposition, brain chemistry,
and physical health aspects that contribute to substance use and addiction.
Emotional regulation, mental health conditions, personality
traits, and coping mechanisms influencing substance use behaviors.
Environmental influences, peer pressure,
family dynamics, and cultural norms affecting substance use patterns.
The various reasons people use substances,
including social, recreational, coping, or dependence-related motivations.
Elements that increase the likelihood of substance
use disorder, such as family history, trauma, and social environment.
Factors that reduce the likelihood of developing
substance use disorder, such as strong family support, positive peer
influences, and healthy coping skills, involvement in church or healthy religion.
A state where an individual requires
increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effects
due to repeated use.
The physical or psychological symptoms
that occur when a person stops using a substance after prolonged use.