An Overview of Substance Use Disorders

Course Code: REL-BHC-0-AOSUD

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 9/30/2026

Learning Objectives:
Explain what a substance use disorder is, how it develops, and how it impacts individuals.
Identify strategies that paraprofessionals can use when working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders to encourage behavior change.
Describe the types of treatment that exist for people diagnosed with substance use disorders.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: What is a Substance Use Disorder?

Common Terminology

Definition of Substance Use Disorder

Methods of Substance Use

When Does Substance Use Become a Disorder?

Symptoms

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Case Example

Factors to Consider

How a Substance Use Disorder Develops

Harmful Effects

Review

Summary

Section 3: Strategies for Facilitating Change

Your Role

Stages of Change

Motivational Interviewing

Building a Therapeutic Relationship

Review

Summary

Section 4: Types of Treatment

Early Intervention

Harm Reduction

Making the Referral

Evidence-Based Treatment

12-Step Groups

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Congratulations!

Instructor: Bryn Davis, LPC, MAC

Bryn Davis received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Virginia and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lynchburg College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. She also holds a national certification as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) through NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Additionally, she is certified as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider. Prior to joining Relias in 2020, she served as Clinical Director of a community mental health agency, developed an intensive treatment program for individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders, and provided outpatient counseling focused on trauma-informed care.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Direct Support Professionals (DSP); in the following settings: Behavioral Health: Community Services.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.