Clinical Management of Depressive Symptoms in the Context of Substance Use
Author: Jessie Timmons, LCSW
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Course Created: 2023
Practice Level: Intermediate
Jessie Timmons, LCSW
Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, as well as a practiced advocate for cultural humility and inclusive advocacy. She is a former faculty member of Temple University’s School of Social Work and is a current board member, having served two years as the board president, for the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW). Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical practice and in particular on making inclusiveness and affirmative advocacy an integral part of the ethical practice of social work and social work education.
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Duration:
3
hours
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Course Summary
Substance use disorders and depressive disorders are highly comorbid—about 17 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder, 7 million have other drug use disorders, and among this combined population the rate of major depressive disorder (MDD) is about 32%, a percentage that has remained largely the same in the last several years (Carey, 2018; Hunt et al., 2020). Importantly, the division of service provision between mental health care and substance use care confounds effective care, as specialists in each area often lack current knowledge in the other and care facilities may organize separately, or as silos, around these disorders creating barriers and disjointed care. In particular, substance use care providers may have licensing and education requirements that do not require much knowledge of depressive symptoms, including symptom identification, care of symptoms, and how these symptoms may interact with substance use concerns.
This learning material offers an understanding of depressive symptomatology in the context of substance use as well as SUDs, and in contrast to depressive disorders. Throughout the learning material the connection between certain symptoms of depression and various phases of substance use are pointed out, along with the ways that depression symptoms can affect recovery, and attempts at recovery from SUDs, and/or change the client’s relationship to substances. This course also explores the effect of depressive symptoms on treatment participation and engagement and considers effective clinical interventions, treatment settings, and specific cultural needs of clients when discussing assessment and treatment options. Case examples offer illustrations of how mental health providers can apply effective assessments and interventions and provide opportunities for learners to connect the learning material to their clinical practice.
Course Format
This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you're ready, purchase the course by clicking the "Add To Cart" button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate experiencing depressive symptoms from the presence of a depressive disorder.
- Explain the relationship between substance effects and depressive symptoms.
- Describe the effect of depressive symptoms on substance use recovery and treatment.
- Recognize the benefits and limitations of varied treatment settings on clinical work with substance use and/or depressive symptoms.
- Identify cultural and demographic considerations for assessing and treating depressive and SUD symptoms.
- Explain effective interventions for depressive symptoms in the context of substance use treatment.
Course Syllabus
Introduction
Depressive Symptoms and Substance Use
Depressive Symptoms and Depressive Disorders
Suicidality and Screening
Clinician Beliefs
Substance Use Versus Substance Use Disorders
Depressive Symptoms: Effects on Substance Use Recovery
Interactions Between Symptoms
Clinical Considerations
Treatment Setting
Cultural and Demographic Considerations
Screening and Assessment
Treatment Planning and Intervention
Cognitive Approaches
Belief Approaches
Affective Approaches
Summary
References
CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 07/08/21-07/08/24. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
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