ASC5005 · Addiction treatment approaches

Overview

This unit offers you an advanced understanding of addiction treatment by exploring a range of evidence-based approaches to people with alcohol, drug or gambling problems. Building on the screening, assessment and client engagement skills in the foundation unit, you are now introduced to the principles and foundations of commonly-applied and evidence-based psychological interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) and peer-based support. You will learn about the pharmacological treatments, pharmacotherapy programs (e.g., medically-assisted treatment for opioid dependence and anti-craving medications) and become familiar with safe alcohol and drug withdrawal management. You will be introduced to new and emerging treatments and approaches (e.g., novel drugs, behavioural and cognitive interventions) and will develop skills in critically appraising research papers on the effectiveness of treatments. Finally, you will be able to adapt management plans according to individual needs including those of priority populations. The content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, forum discussions, practice exercises and journal clubs.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and evaluate the application of psychological treatment approaches and new and emerging approaches for clients with diverse backgrounds and different needs
2. Analyse the role of social and cultural determinants in providing care to people who are experiencing substance use disorder or addictions
3. Discuss the role and limitations of pharmacological treatments in addictions and in pharmacotherapy programs
4. Explain the principles and requirements for safe withdrawal management
5. Critically evaluate evidence-based approaches and theoretical frameworks in relation to treatment of substance use disorders or addictions

Workload

This 6 credit point unit will be delivered online over 6 weeks (intensive mode). The workload requirement is 12 hours per week. This includes 6 hours of teacher-directed learning (e.g., assigned readings, pre-recorded lectures, and other interactive activities to support discovery, exploration, application, and reflection on learning) with approximately 4 hours of teacher-engagement (e.g., facilitated tutorials, workshops, discussion forums, etc.). You are also expected to engage in your own self-directed study (e.g., further reading, reflection, skills development, and assessment tasks). There are no on-campus requirements for this unit.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.