This self-paced, online training course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to apply harm-reducing behaviors related to substance use in both the workplace and the broader community. The course will explore the social, historical, and cultural factors that influence societal views on substance use, emphasizing how stigma often acts as a major barrier to clients’ well-being. Learners will be guided on how to challenge myths surrounding substance use and adopt a client-centered, supportive approach to advocacy and service delivery.
The course highlights the role of practitioners in providing informed, compassionate services, and it explores the importance of harm reduction strategies in addressing the needs of individuals affected by substance use.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the historical and contemporary impact of substance use policies, such as drug laws and the War on Drugs, on individuals and communities.
- Gain insight into the complexities of substance use, including the relationship between substance use and social determinants of health (e.g., poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma).
- Learn how to implement harm-reduction strategies in their professional roles to support individuals who use substances.
- Recognize the importance of creating supportive, client-centered services that foster trust and effective therapeutic relationships.
- Understand the fundamental health promotion and social justice concepts underpinning harm reduction practices.
- Develop strategies for overdose awareness and prevention in their workplace or community setting.
Learning Outcomes:
- Articulate the historical and contemporary context of substance use policies, including the impacts of drug laws and stigma on people who use substances.
- Understand the multifaceted factors contributing to substance use and the influence of social determinants of health on these behaviors.
- Implement client-centered approaches to establish trust and therapeutic relationships with clients affected by substance use.
- Advocate for individuals affected by substance use by challenging stigma and promoting respectful, assertive conversations.
- Develop a tailored overdose prevention plan for their agency or workplace.
- Apply harm-reduction practices in their role as a helping professional to create safer, more supportive environments for individuals using substances.
Course Structure:
- Getting Started: Introduction to course content, goals, and navigation.
- Module 1 – Harm Reduction Overview
Topics: The basics of harm reduction and its significance in addressing substance use. Overview of key principles and strategies. - Module 2 – Substance Use and Harm Reduction
Topics: Understanding substance use and how harm reduction strategies can mitigate its risks for individuals and communities. - Module 3 – Awareness of Addiction Approaches
Topics: Exploration of various approaches to addiction treatment and the impact of harm reduction in supporting individuals with substance use challenges. - Module 4 – Harm Reduction as Social Work and Health Promotion
Topics: Examining harm reduction through the lens of social work and health promotion, including policy advocacy and community impact. - Module 5 – Stigma
Topics: The role of stigma in substance use, its effects on individuals, and strategies for reducing stigma in service delivery. - Module 6 – Role of the Practitioner
Topics: The practitioner’s role in applying harm reduction strategies, fostering trust, and providing client-centered care. - Module 7 – Workplace Issues
Topics: Addressing substance use in the workplace, creating supportive environments, and dealing with related challenges. - eLearning Course Feedback: A final questionnaire to provide feedback on the course experience.
Target Audience:
This course is designed for all helping professionals, including shelter staff and management, healthcare providers, social workers, counselors, and anyone in the broader community interested in understanding and supporting marginalized populations affected by substance use. The course is ideal for individuals in any sector who wish to gain the tools and strategies necessary to engage with clients affected by substance use in a respectful, informed, and client-centered manner.
Mode(s): Self-Paced
Length: Approximately 6-9 hours
Course Requirements: All course requirements must be finished within 30 days of enrollment in order to obtain proof of completion.
Cost: $120 per person