Drugs are Fun: Understanding drug use beyond addiction

3 Category 1 CEUs

Presenter: Mike Giordano

Clinical social workers are trained to view drug use through the lens of addiction and often raise red flags when hearing about client experiences with drugs, especially illegal substances. When this happens, we risk damaging the therapeutic relationship and missing important aspects of their lives, stories and usage.

This workshop will help attendees explore hidden or not so hidden beliefs about drug use. Additionally, participants will learn reasons beyond addiction that clients might use substances. As a result, attendees will be better equipped to stay attuned with their clients and serve them more effectively.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe two reasons clients would use substances outside of the lens of addiction.
2. Describe a bias they have in relation to at least one illegal substance.
3. List 3 benefits clients may receive when using drugs.