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saasi

Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies Institute

Established in 1987, Springfield College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies Institute - better known as “SAASI” - provides an introduction into addictive behaviors, prevention, and early intervention/treatment.

A weeklong academic program held annually in June, SAASI is available for 3 SH of graduate or undergraduate credit or up to 30 clocks hours for continuing education credits.

The insidious problems of alcoholism, substance abuse, and other addictions have reached unprecedented heights. The goals for the SAASI program are straightforward:

• To provide an introduction/primer to the addiction process and substance abuse counseling.



• To educate participants to detect potential addiction substance problems early and provide appropriate prevention and intervention measures effectively.



• To provide the needed information, resources, networking, and a support systems for participants within the recovery field.



• To reduce the potential impact of alcoholism, substance abuse, and other addictions on the lives of young adults and their families in ways that maintain or improve academic and athletic achievement, family and peer relationships, moral values, healthy lifestyles, and service to the community and others.

SAASI - Is It For You?
Are you a student or professional currently working (or foresees yourself working) with adolescents or adults in sports, education, or human services? If so, this may be an important, even invaluable, program for you and your community. If you are committed to improving your skills and abilities in dealing with the alcohol, substance abuse, and addiction problems among young adults today; if you are willing to devote an intensive, one-week session to enhance our professional growth and development; if you are open to both proven and new ideas and approaches; if you are comfortable with interactive teaching methods (e.g., lecture-discussion, group work, team presentations, and demonstrations); and if you are willing and interested in sharing your training with others - then we hope you will apply.

The Curriculum: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Some of the critical topics to be covered in this program include:

• Prevalence, incidence, and implications of various addictions and substance use and abuse.



• Drug dependence development.



• The ethical issues in counseling, teaching, and programming.



• Adolescent developmental behavior—understanding the whole person.



• Identity and ego defenses of the substance abuser.



• Peer influence—social and educational factors.



• How to deal with the alcohol-drug family-dynamics, dysfunctional relationships, children of alcoholics.



• Compulsive gambling, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and other interrelated addictions and behaviors.



• Tools for helpers—counseling and teaching, listening, communication, identification, and intervention skills.



• Cross-cultural and ethnic issues in prevention and intervention.



• Assessment and use of support groups.



• Health fitness and self-help activities.



• Prescriptions for change—practical applications.



• Action planning and applications on the job and in the community.


Faculty and Staff:
Dr. Robert L. Hewes, direcotor of the Institute, is an associate professor and chair of the Rehabilitatoin and Disability Studies department at Springfield College. He is also the co-coordinator of its graduate program in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling. In addition to being a full-time educator, Dr. Hewes has worked as a substance abuse counselor and a program evaluator in the field. He has also published several articles in the substance abuse literature on such topics as codependency and children of alcoholics, motivation to change, ethical decision-making, societal attitudes and disability policy, and working alliances for substance abuse professionals.

Expert Guest Speakers and Lecturers, who are recognized leaders in the field enthusiastically participate each year. These include several highly qualified and respected faculty from Springfield College and guest faculty, speakers, and lecturers from universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, clinics and agencies involved with prevention, intervention and/or treatment programs and services.

Academic Credit
Academic credit for participants at the undergraduate or graduate level (three semester hours of credit) is available at current college tuition rate. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also provided for those professionals needing to maintain certification or licensure.

Selection and Fellowships
A SAASI Fellowship application must be completed and returned as soon as possible. Those accepted will receive a Springfield College Institute Fellowship toward tuition/fees and all training program materials. Specific information and details on the current year’s Institute program will be provided after notification of acceptance.

Springfield College - Dedicated to Human Service
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution that prepares students for careers in the human helping professions, such as allied health sciences, education and counseling, physical education and sports sciences, and social work and human services.

The College, with more than 3,000 students, offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, including a physician assistant program, emergency medical technician certification, and a Master of Social Work degree.

The mission of Springfield College is to educate the whole person—in spirit, mind, and body—for leadership in service to others, which is the foundation of the College’s unique humanics philosophy.



If you are a student seeking academic credit for SAASI, please sign-up for SAASI using the following course information:


RHDS 480.01 (3SH) Undergraduate Academic Credit
RHDS 680.01 (3SH) Graduate Academic Credit

If you would like an on-line SAASI brochure click here

If you would like to printout an application click here

If you need further information or have questions, please send us an E-Mail or contact us by phone at: 413-748-3565 or 413-748-3318

If you prefer to write you can contact the SAASI program at:
SAASI/Springfield College
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109