Paper Presentation

Addictions

Session: Advancing Social Work Education: Preparing MSW Students for Inclusive and Purpose-Driven Practice

From Classroom to Practice: How SUD Education Influences MSW Students’ Career Paths

Presenter(s)

Alex Lee, MSW, MA

PhD Candidate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Douglas C. Smith, n/a

Professor
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

This study examines the impact of enhanced substance use disorder (SUD) education on MSW students’ willingness to work in SUD settings. Findings suggest that while training alone may not directly increase willingness, higher knowledge and professional support reduce stigma, indirectly fostering interest. Implications highlight curriculum improvements for better workforce preparation.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Upon completion, the participant will be able to explain how stigma mediates the relationship between SUD education, professional support, and willingness to work in SUD settings, and propose strategies for reducing stigma in social work education.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify key factors influencing stigma toward individuals with SUD and examine how these factors shape social work students' perspectives and career decisions.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to reflect the role of social work in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and assess its impact on individuals and communities.