July 31, 2010 

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Pharmacology/Psychopharmacology Interactions - Define and recognize the actions of psychoactive drugs as they affect the human mind and body, as well as routes of administration, methods of ingestion, tolerance, withdrawal and interactions with other drugs.  This knowledge is necessary to perform assessments and make appropriate treatment referrals.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Dependence – Recognize and know the signs and symptoms associated with the different classifications of psychoactive chemicals; understand the concepts of use, misuse, abuse, dependence, withdrawal, and overdose/toxicity; and know appropriate treatment approaches necessary to ensure the safety of patients for these conditions.

Human Development – Know the principles and processes of human physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social development including basic abnormal psychology and effects of chemical usage on growth and development.

Historical Perspectives of Alcohol and Other Drug Use, Abuse, Dependence and Treatment – Know the historical development of alcohol and other drug addiction treatment including the history of chemical usage in the United States, the origins of MAAT and its relationship to the community at large.

Modalities of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Dependence Treatment Services/ Abstinence/ Harm Reduction - Know the eligibility requirements and criteria for specific modalities of service, what services are offered in each modality with applicable regulations and limits, and know when it is appropriate to make referrals.

MAAT Rules and Regulations – Possess practical knowledge of applicable federal, state, local and agency laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the delivery of MAAT.

Maximizing Patient Retention - Identify factors affecting patient retention, perform a relapse risk assessment and implement relapse prevention techniques.

Therapy and Dynamics of Treatment and Recovery - Possess a practical knowledge of treatment approaches, philosophies, methods, and objectives. Know techniques for evaluating progress and outcomes and how to modify approaches to address a patient’s unique needs. 

Case Management - Know how to coordinate a multiple service plan in order to assure that all patient needs are addressed.

Professional Ethics - Know the requirements of IAMAAT’s Code of Ethics, and be able to apply this Code of Ethics to the Core Functions. It shall include code of conduct, disciplinary review process and appeals procedure.

Special Populations’ Issues Pertaining to Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Dependence and Treatment – Be familiar with the differences in attitude and behavior patterns of significant cultures and special needs groups within Illinois' population in order to provide meaningful quality care.  Know how the beliefs, values and lifestyles of various special populations relate to the individual patient’s alcohol and other drug use, abuse, dependence, relapse risk and recovery.  Understand issues pertaining to age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and culture, as well as to multiple diagnoses, such as mental disorders, HIV, physical handicaps, etc.

Treatment Approaches with MAAT Patients – Understand and utilize applicable therapeutic approaches with MAAT patients.

Research Methods - Access the latest research findings and information on new treatment approaches.