A guided abstinence experience to illustrate addiction recovery principles.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and implement an elective pharmacy course that included a guided abstinence experience to illustrate addiction recovery principles.


METHODS
A 1-credit elective course to illustrate addiction recovery principles was developed and implemented. The course required students to give up a habit for 6 weeks that was causing them problems, meet weekly to discuss addiction recovery processes, and relate their experiences in a journal. Course grades were determined by class participation, submitted worksheets, and submission of the journal and a paper concerning their role as a pharmacist in dealing with those with addictions and in recovery. Pre- and posttests consisting of addiction case scenarios were used to assess students' application of course material.


RESULTS
Graded course elements, pretesting and posttesting, and student course evaluations indicated that course objectives were met. Over the past 15 years, student enrollment has grown from approximately 10% of pharmacy classes to approximately 50% (average 31 students).


CONCLUSIONS
A guided abstinence experience was an effective tool for teaching pharmacy students the concepts of addiction and recovery.
Baldwin
Jeffrey N
JN
College of Pharmacy, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6045, USA. jbaldwin@unmc.edu
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016739:Behavior, Addictive; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003376:Counseling; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D006184:Habits; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*