Course ID: FQUEWU510
Course Name: Women and Substance Abuse
Credits: 1

The purpose of this one-contact hour home-study continuing education course is to provide a holistic approach to understanding the recovery of women from chemical dependence. Complex health and social welfare issues associated with substance abuse and women require nurses to expand their scope of knowledge with a holistic approach to include a historical and political context.

About the Author
Dr. Bernadette Lange holds her doctoral degrees in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked in a number of settings and in a number of roles. Dr. Lange has conducted research and teaching regarding women and substance abuse. Dr. Lange has published articles on a variety of subjects and frequently conducts continuing education programs. She is currently a visiting assistant professor of nursing at Florida Atlantic University.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of the program the learner will be able to:

1. Describe the historical use of opiate drugs in the treatment of women’s health.
2. Define the role of the nurse caring for women who are chemically dependent.
3. Identify the dominant treatment modalities for women in recovery.
4. List two common misconceptions concerning women who abuse substances.
5. Discuss the changes in welfare reform policy that may be perceived as barriers to recovery for women.