PSY3190 · Addiction studies

Overview

The unit will give you an overview of issues related to addictive behaviours. You will be introduced to biological, psychological, and social perspectives on defining and explaining addictive behaviours, and we will look at how these approaches help us understand addiction today. While we will focus on substance use, we will also investigate behavioural addictions such as gambling, online behaviours, and food/eating. Public policies and research evidence relating to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of addictive behaviours will also be discussed. The unit will end with a look at current issues in the field, and new treatment options.

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

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss biological, psychological and social perspectives on addictive behaviours.
2. Critically evaluate Australian approaches to addiction policy, prevention, and harm reduction.
3. Appraise the evidence for various approaches used for assessing and treating addictive behaviours.
4. Apply contemporary theories and research evidence to solve real-world problems relating to addiction.

Workload

2 hours of lectures per week. 2 hours of tutorials 9 times per semester. Induction tutorial: pre-recorded unit introduction by UC/CE, available for students during O-week/Week 1 Preparation: 8 hours background reading/preparation for lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks per week. Attendance at tutorials is recommended in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.

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