Substance Abuse and the Asian/Pacific Islander:

Part 1 - The Population and the Problem
Part 2 - Skills and Strategies for Counseling Asian Americans with Substance Abuse Issues
A two-part offering (2, 3-hour courses) from our Multicultural and Special Populations Series.  Part 1 of the course provides insight and an overview to the population, identifying various problems and issues, as well as counseling issues and needs.  Part 2 examines more specific information about the population and the problems associated with chemical dependency treatment and prevention.  Each course is self-contained - you do not need to take Part 1 to benefit from Part 2.  

Goals/Objectives

By participating in Part 1 of this Distance Learning Course the trainee will:

  1. identify the various groups the make-up this population;
  2. examine various myths and stereotypes;
  3. review the history of this population in the United States;
  4. explore special problems that exist for this population;
  5. identify treatment strategies

By participating in Part 2 of this Distance Learning Course the trainee will:

  1. examine the problems and difficulties that chemical dependency create for the Asian/Pacific Islander population;
  2. identify cultural issues caused by substance abuse;
  3. explore effective treatment methods and approaches;
  4. develop appropriate intervention strategies and techniques.
  5. identify recovery needs that are unique to this group.

Your Course Instructor:
Laurie Rokutani

Laurie Rokutani has been a counselor for over twenty years, serving a wide variety of clientele (from indigent substance abusers to the very affluent) in a wide variety of settings (private practice to community agencies) in various geographical locations (coast to coast and in between!). From her beginning in general counseling to substance abusing clients, she shifted gears into substance abuse prevention (K-12), then into Student Assistance Program counseling and coordination. From there she left direct service and went into academia, where she is currently teaching both prevention and counseling courses. She is also currently providing prevention consultation to schools and agencies as a part of the counseling program's emphasis in addictions counseling and prevention.