Assessing Counseling Students' Attitudes Regarding Substance Abuse and Treatment

Abstract

Undergraduate counselors‐in‐training completed the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey, which measures treatment intervention, treatment optimism, and nonstereotypical attitudes. Treatment optimism was positively correlated with nonstereotypical attitudes and treatment intervention. Results indicated that treatment intervention and nonstereotypical attitudes must be addressed in addiction counseling courses.

Pedagogical Practices for Teaching Addiction Counseling Courses in CACREP‐Accredited Programs

“…Furthermore, it would be important to consider if and how instructors' background could account for some the content and delivery method variability that were revealed in previous studies on addiction counseling education. Chasek et al (2012), Iarussi et al (2013), and Lee (2014) indicated that there are significant inconsistencies in the course content and delivery methods in addiction counseling classes. Considering the apparent level of influence instructors' background could have on shaping the overall course goals, one would expected that these factors, at least partially, affect content structure and delivery methods in addiction counseling classes.…”

“…The burden of quality preparation of professional counselors falls on counselor educators and counselor education programs, which must ensure counselors‐in‐training receive appropriate learning opportunities in treating clients with addictive disorders. Counselor education programs must prepare future counselors to understand the depth and impact of addictive disorders, implement culturally relevant interventions, and recognize and treat multifaceted dually diagnosed clients (Chasek et al, 2012; Harrawood et al, 2011).…”

“…Although accreditation‐related standards have been developed to enhance students' mastery of addiction counseling knowledge and skills, there remains significant variability in the content that is presented and in the methods used to deliver the material (Chasek et al, 2012; Iarussi et al, 2013; Lee, 2014). Iarussi et al (2013) and Lee (2014) found that instructors in programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) teach a wide array of content in addiction counseling courses.…”

Students’ Perspectives of Experiential Learning in an Addictions Course

“…Conversely, practitioners who have not experienced addiction have been found to be less empathic and to utilize a narrower range of treatment techniques in their work with people with substance use disorders (Bylsma, 2010;Stoffelmayr et al, 1998). Researchers have reported that some helping professionals negatively stigmatized clients with substance addiction, viewing use and relapse as a choice or moral failing (Chasek, Jorgensen & Maxon, 2012;Room, 2009; Van, Eliason, Freudenberg, & Barnes, 2009). These assumptions may lead to a lack of understanding and support and even to inferiorizing, disrespectful interactions (Ballon & Skinner, 2008;Hayes et al, 2004).…”