Course Syllabus

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ADC202: Family Issues and Recovery

Instructor & Contact Information

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Course Description

This course covers three distinct areas dealt with in family counseling: Substance Use Disorders, Codependency, and Family Systems. This course will overview the treatment of substance use disorders within the Family Systems Models, as well as compare and contrast individual therapy models and Family Systems models. In part two there will be a comprehensive study of Codependency, including its characteristics, origins and recovery strategies. And finally, the course wraps up with a broader view of family issues and dynamics, bringing the focus to the places where most families need help.

Please keep in mind that many counseling courses such as this one cover very deep issues, which can trigger trauma for some students. Students are encouraged to be aware of this for this course and have strong supports in place.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Evaluate various family models of treatment for substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors.
  2. Analyze a philosophy of addiction and recovery which integrates faith issues and family systems theory.
  3. Identify the historical and current trends that affect racial/ethnic minority families.
  4. Compare the four major sources of codependent behavior including trauma and a family of origin perspective that addresses generationally learned patterns.
  5. Explain the stages of family addiction and their characteristics and how the addictive process affects family relationships.
  6. Develop a genogram and journal on how your family of origin might affect your own recovery or healing process.
  7. Apply spiritual and clinical knowledge and principles about codependency to one’s own patterns personally and when acting in the role of a professional or lay “helper.”

Degree Program Outcomes

Degree outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a degree program at City Vision University.  After completing the degree, you will be able to do the following in each of the listed domains:

  1. Describe each of the 12 core functions and 8 competencies of addiction counselors to be academically prepared to become a certified addiction counselor.
  2. Demonstrate the essential practices of addiction treatment including screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning and aftercare. (Core Functions 1-5, Competencies 1, 2, 3, 4)
  3. Use basic counseling skills such as effective listening, assessment, crisis intervention, group therapy and working with other professionals (Core Functions 6, 8, 12, Competency 4, 5)
  4. Apply basic counseling professional practices including ethics, working with various client groups, case management and record keeping skills. (Core Functions 7, 10, 11, Competencies 7, 8)
  5. Apply understanding of other issues related to addiction recovery such as mental illness, family dynamics and sexual and spiritual issues. (Core Function 9, Competency 6)
  6. Integrate Christian principles and counseling theories in an ethical manner in both Christian and secular counseling environments.
  7. Develop and display a commitment to a plan of personal growth and life balance needed to serve effectively in their field in the long-term (cognitive and affective domain).

This course applies to domain 5, above.

Required Texts

Students are required to purchase these texts before the first day of classes. 

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

Additional Policies:

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: May 24, 2023

Course Summary:

Date Details Due