Understanding Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Dependency for Those Working with System Involved Youth

Robert Dousa

Training Description

Many system involved youth and families are impacted by Substance use disorders (SUDs) which can negatively affect them physically, psychologically, socially, legally, vocationally, educationally, and in other areas of life function. The widespread problems associated with alcohol and drugs coupled with the fact that the majority of individuals with SUDs do not seek substance abuse treatment, make it likely that social workers and other professionals will encounter system Involved youth &/or families impacted by SUDs.

How do we learn to recognize the medical aspects of alcoholism and substance abuse and support people who may be unaware of the ramifications that alcoholism and substance abuse is having on their lives? What are the major treatment approaches to alcoholism and substance abuse? How do we determine which community resources are available and more importantly, who and when to refer our system involved youth or their family members to…