Addiction in Plain Sight: Beyond the Basics of Substance Use Disorders. For Advanced Clinicians Seeking Expanded Knowledge.

Course Description

If you’re a therapist, you are already treating clients with substance use issues—whether you realize it or not.

Substance abuse rarely presents as the “main problem.” Instead, it shows up disguised as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, poor follow-through, or “resistant” clients who just aren’t improving. And if it goes unrecognized, therapy can stall—or fail completely.

This course equips you with practical skills to recognize, comprehend, and effectively address substance use issues in your clients, regardless of whether addiction is your main area of expertise. It also provides helpful links and resources for further learning about various substances and their potential impact in clinical settings. (required multimedia components integrated into the course)

Drawing from over 35 years of real-world clinical experience, this training goes beyond theory. You’ll learn how substance use actually shows up in the therapy room, why clients minimize or hide it, and how it quietly undermines progress, insight, and the therapeutic alliance.

More importantly, you’ll learn what to do about it.

In This Course, You Will Learn How To:

• Recognize the often-missed signs of substance use in everyday clinical cases
• Understand how addiction interferes with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral change
• Identify denial, minimization, and other defense mechanisms that block progress
• Apply DSM-5 criteria in real-world, practical ways
• Screen effectively and know when a problem is more serious than it appears
• Make appropriate, ethical referrals and avoid practicing outside your scope
• Protect your clients—and your license—by addressing substance use correctly

 (4 CEU hours)

Reviews

“My favorite part? Wow! Comprehensive, with endless possibilities!”  ~Jacqueline Tatum, LCSW, FL 

“Reader-friendly, content is extremely relevant and information was interesting.”  ~Janice Del Pilar, LMHC, FL  

“I liked all of it – I teach Addiction courses at St. Pete College now for 20 years and enjoy providing students the best education possible. After all, people’s lives depend on their accurate and up-to-date knowledge! Taken many courses with these professional and knowledgeable providers before and will continue to do so!”  ~Nancy Tetum, LCSW, Hillsborough Co, FL 

“Excellent organization. Good resources.”  ~Sheila Bilak, LCSW, Alachua Co, FL “Valuable information. Please continue to provide thought-provoking CEUs.”  ~Nicole Taylor, LMHC

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the signs and symptoms of substance use disorders using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
2. Differentiate between substance use, abuse, and dependence, including levels of severity.
3. Recognize common patterns of denial, minimization, and other defense mechanisms associated with addiction.
4. Describe how substance use impacts cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
5. Explain the role of the brain’s reward system in the development and maintenance of addiction.
6. Identify risk factors associated with substance use disorders, including genetic predisposition, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
7. Apply basic screening and assessment strategies to identify substance use concerns in clinical practice.
8. Determine when referral to specialized substance abuse treatment or support services is clinically appropriate.
9. Describe evidence-based treatment approaches for substance use disorders, including group therapy, abstinence models, and community support programs.
10. Explain the importance of addressing substance use to maintain ethical practice and protect client welfare.