Class Descriptions

Neuroscience and Substance Abuse

SW706

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Elective (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families

Course Description

The criminalization of substance use disorders is perhaps one of the most urgent racial and social justice issues of social work today. Understanding the neuroscience behind substance use disorders is one of the most impactful strategies for social workers to employ when advocating for clients at interdisciplinary tables. This mini-course will provide an introduction to the neuroscience of substance use disorders with emphasis on both science and social justice. Topics covered include basics of cellular communication and neurotransmission, different types of neuroimaging techniques and the structural and functional impact of the main classes of psychoactive substances. The course will also address interdisciplinary health considerations (chronic pain, pregnancy, overdose prevention), harm reduction models, MAT, systemic racism and the carceral system. Social work students will receive most current neuroscience perspectives on the development and trajectory of chemical dependence that can be employed in practice to directly challenge stigma related to substance use disorders. Students will learn about structural and functional neurological changes that comprise the characteristic symptoms of substance use disorders and will be able to identify the genetic mechanisms that result in sustained changes in mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic processing. Students will critically evaluate current approaches to diagnosing and treating substance use disorders and will discuss strategies to apply translational knowledge gained from neuroscience in practice.

Objectives

Identify a critical awareness and understanding of the intersection of social work and neuroscience, while attending to limitations, ethics, stigma and potential for translational research

Actively apply the role of self in practice, research and clinical decision making

Identify “addiction” is defined in neuroscience and social work

Conduct a simulated risk assessment, case conceptualization, selecting EBIs and considering the most appropriate level of care

Apply the basics of neuronal communication (transduction of electrochemical signals; neurotransmission) and how this relates to our current understanding of mental illness and addiction

Identify neurobiological elements behind clinical symptoms of addiction

Utilize understanding of addictions from a conjoint social work and neuroscience perspective in order to understand pharmacological interventions for addiction (e.g. MAT)

Develop awareness of current neuroimaging tools, how they measure brain activity and their translational relevance across social work and neuroscience research and practice– including EEG, MEG, PET, fMRI, Event-Related Optical Signal (EROS), Diffuse Optical Imaging (DOT) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), fNIRS & Optigenetics)

Identify the role of genetics and environmental factors involved in addiction

Evaluate how different classes of psychoactive substances influence the brain and how these differences appear through various neuroimaging techniques

Critically evaluate current approaches to diagnosing and treating substance use disorders

Apply an understanding of plasticity –how physiological and environmental factors, including social work interventions facilitate long and short term neurological changes

Collect, review and discuss emerging approaches to neuroimaging, neuro-technologies, brain-computer interfacing and how this may influence social work practice through novel behavioral health interventions – including TMS, prosthetics and collective communications (TMS/EEG brain-computer interfacing).

Design

This course uses mini lectures, guest speakers and case application/discussions to address the skills and knowledge development components of this course.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.