Substance misuse training in graduate psychology programs

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Studies
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Substance misuse is a significant public health concern.
• Effective training for future psychologists is crucial for addressing substance misuse.
• Current curricula in graduate psychology programs regarding substance misuse are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent to which graduate psychology programs incorporate substance misuse education into their curricula.
• To identify the specific topics, theoretical perspectives, and treatment approaches covered in substance misuse training.
• To explore faculty involvement and future training plans in the field of substance misuse.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 436 graduate psychology programs (academic and internship) was conducted.
• A 37-item questionnaire was administered using a multiple-mailing methodology.
• A response rate of 78% was achieved, providing a robust dataset.

Main Results:

• A majority of surveyed programs offer some level of substance misuse education.
• Training encompasses both alcoholism and the misuse of other drugs.
• Curricula integrate multiple perspectives (theory, research, treatment) and include both abstinence and moderation as treatment goals.

Conclusions:

• Graduate psychology programs are increasingly addressing substance misuse in their training.
• The findings highlight the diverse approaches and content within substance misuse education in psychology.
• Further research and training initiatives in this area are planned by many programs.