Addiction and Treatment: Strengths-Based Perspectives

Quarters
Spring Signature
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Emily Polak-Perez

This course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the nature of addictions, as well as a review of evidence-based treatment for addiction-related disorders. Substance abuse and dependence will be examined from strengths-based, biopsychosocial, and developmental lenses. We will explore the role of drugs in the nervous system, the significance of social influences, and the psychological processes involved in the development of substance-related disorders across the lifespan. Students will gain familiarity with current evidence-based approaches for the treatment of substance-related disorders, including the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Motivational Interviewing. Historical perspectives, cultural views, and heath disparities regarding addiction will also be explored.

This is one of four courses that comprise the Behavioral Health Support Specialist Certificate at Evergreen. This course can be taken at any point in the certificate.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Psychology: Addiction and Treatment

Registration

Students must complete Abnormal Psychology (4 credits) as a prerequisite for this course.

Students must also have already taken, or take concurrently, two of the following courses:

Lifespan Development (4 credits)
Theories of Personality (4 credits)
Biological Basis of Behavior OR Introduction to Neuroscience (4 credits)

Signature Required

Contact certificates@evergreen.edu to confirm prerequisite completion.

Academic Details

This course is required for completing the Behavioral Health Support Specialist Certificate at Evergreen. For more information visit: https://www.evergreen.edu/academics/professional-continuing-education/behavioral-health-support-specialist

Health services, behavioral health, psychology, social work, counseling

4
25
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Spring
2026
Signature
Hybrid (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Evening
Schedule Details
Olympia