Substance use disorders remain among the most stigmatized and misunderstood health conditions, often shaped by outdated policies and rigid treatment models that fail to reflect current science. This webinar invites social workers and behavioral health professionals to reimagine substance use care by bridging the gap between policy, neuroscience, and day-to-day clinical practice. Participants will explore how modern understandings of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain condition call for continuum-based, person-centered responses rather than episodic or punitive approaches. The session examines the evolution of substance use diagnosis, the impact of stigma and bias on care delivery, and the role of social workers in identifying and addressing harmful substance use earlier through screening and brief intervention.

Presented by: Nick Szubiak, MSW, LCSW, in partnership with by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

This course will offer 1.5 Ohio CEUs.