Event date: 5/28/2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Export event Josh Klapperick / Friday, April 24, 2026 / Categories: Virtual, Foundation The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Spectrum: Essential Skills for Social Work Practice Thursday, May 28, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 pm (EST) Presenter: Nick Szubiak, MSW, LiCSW Credit: 1 Social Work CEU Cost: FREE for NASW Members & Non-Members REGISTER HERE Substance use exists on a spectrum, yet the field has historically relied on rigid categories and crisis-driven responses. This webinar equips social workers with practical, evidence-based skills for working effectively across the full range of substance use—from risky use to severe substance use disorders—using a continuum-based, person-centered framework. The session emphasizes how understanding substance use as a spectrum enhances assessment, engagement, and treatment planning across diverse practice settings. It will focus on essential practice skills for supporting behavior change, including motivational interviewing, risk reduction, and prevention strategies. Learning Objectives: Describe how current neuroscience and DSM-5 diagnostic changes support a continuum-based, person-centered approach to substance use care rather than abstinence-only or crisis-driven models. Apply motivational interviewing and risk reduction and prevention principles to support client readiness for change and reduce substance-related risk. Identify practical assessment and engagement strategies for working with individuals across the substance use spectrum, including those not seeking abstinence or specialty treatment. Program provided by NASW with support from the Opioid Response Network (ORN). Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval #886406141-0412) for 1.0 Social Work continuing education contact hours. Previous Article Reimagining Substance Use: From Policy to Practice Print 12