Learn to Understand Addiction
Addictions can affect anyone: any demographic group, irrespective of class, religion, whether wealthy, poor, old or young.
Addictions come in different guises. Some are easily recognised such as drug and alcohol dependence. Others may be less conspicuous like obsessive shopping or computer gaming. But all addictions ultimately take a toll on the person with the problem and those around them.
Addictions counselling is a specialised area of counselling which seeks to help those with a range of addictions to regain control of their lives. This short course provides students with insight into the behavioural and physiological nature of addictions, as well as tolerance and withdrawal from substances. It will appeal to those working in the caring professions and those with an interest in this field whether personal or professional. Different counselling strategies and techniques are discussed and upon completion it is anticipated that students will have a well-rounded understanding of how to help people with addictions.
How do our short courses work?
You progress each lesson, reading course notes; and undertaking a series of research or practical tasks relevant to you. These are short learning tasks, related to the topic you are reading. They require you to stop reading and do something a little different, and in doing so you develop another perspective on the subject, which helps to reinforce and strengthen your learning.
On conclusion of a lesson; you are presented with a short interactive test to do. This helps you gauge your progress and through revision, further strengthens the learning.
On finishing the last lesson, you are presented with a more comprehensive automated examination. This final assessment can be undertaken at any time. On passing this last exam; you will be sent a “certificate of completion” for this course with your name on it.
You can start and stop studying at any time – taking as much (or little) time as suits you, to complete your course.
Extensive Support along the Way Whenever Needed
You have access to expert tutors through our student help desk at any time you need them. Our school keeps help desks in both Australia and the UK; and has staff on duty five days a week manning phones, online chat and emails. Any questions that you have about what you are studying will be dealt with promptly (usually the same working day, often immediately).
COURSE Structure
There are nine lessons in this course, as outlined below.
Lesson 1 DRUG AND ADDICTION COUNSELLING
- Neurotransmitters and Neurons
- The Reward System
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Dependence
- Substance Abuse
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 2 TYPES of ADDICTION
- Biological Influences
- Psychological Influences
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Behavioural Addictions
- Lesson Review
Lesson 3 ADDICTIONS & COMORBIDITY
- Social Anxiety
- Negative Reinforcement
- Personality Issues
- Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome
- Cognitive Deficits
- Alcoholic Hallucinosis
- Suicide Risk
- Cannabis Use
- Other Substances
- Lesson Review
Lesson 4 ALCOHOL USE AND DEPENDENCE
- Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Alcohol Withdrawal
- Driving
- How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Bloodstream?
- Machinery/Accidents at Work
- Hospitalisations
- Relationships
- Crimes
- Physical Health
- Mortality
- Lesson Review
Lesson 5 COUNSELLING THE INDIVIDUAL WITH ALCOHOL RELATED PROBLEMS
- Assessing the Drinker
- Drinking History
- Motivational Interviewing
- Drinking Diary
- Hazardous Drinking
- Higher Risk or Harmful Drinking
- Dependent Drinking
- Topirimate
- Baclofen
- Naltrexone
- Disulfiram (more commonly known as Antabuse)
- Campral
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
- Chantix
- Gabapentin
- Extended Brief Intervention
- Family Therapy
- Group Work
- Multicultural Differences
- Lesson Review
Lesson 6 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Heroin
- Sedatives
- Anti Anxiety Drugs
- Stimulants
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Club Drugs eg. Xcstacy, LSD, Rohypnol, PCP, GBH
- Tobacco
- Lesson Review
Lesson 7 COUNSELLING THE INDIVIDUAL WITH SUBSTANCE RELATED PROBLEMS
- Introduction to Treatments
- MET (Motivational Enhancement Theory)
- Medication
- Behavioural Therapy
- Residential Treatments
- Other Treatments
- Cocaine Addiction
- Lesson Review
Lesson 8 COUNSELLING FOR ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS
- Problem Gambling Clinics
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gamcare (UK)
- Shopping Addiction/Omniomania
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 9 THE HEALTHCARE TEAM SUPPORT NETWORKS AND SPECIFIC GROUPS
- Doctor
- Drugs Keyworker
- Government, Charity and Private Treatments
- Outreach services
- ECT – Electro Convulsive Therapy
- Family Support
- Review what you have been learning
FINAL ASSESSMENT
