Details for Working with Addictions

This subject aims to equip students to understand the issues and dynamics surrounding the development of addictions and the focus of particular addictions. It will focus on a range of addictive behaviours. Students will examine the causes, characteristics, consequences and management associated with addictions.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: SSC337
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Rebecca Loundar

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

SSC113—Interpersonal Communication Skills

Awards offering Working with Addictions

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Outcomes

Examine a range of theories that explain addiction and evaluate the cause, development and effects of different types of addiction;
Examine the complex effects of various substance-related disorders at personal, family and community levels and identify appropriate counselling or treatment approaches to help clients and their families with substance-related disorders;
Identify appropriate community resource and/or facilities and professionals that you could work with or refer to as a professional counsellor;
Identify the ethical and legal issues involved in addictions counselling and develop a self-care plan suitable for a professional working in this area of specialisation.

Subject Content

A sociological perspective on addiction/s
Aetiology of addiction
Types of addictions including: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, love/sex
Outlining the components of a holistic approach with clients and those affected by addictions
Epidemiology of substance use & abuse
Developmental perspectives of substance abuse & addictions
Assessment, evaluation and referral processes
Treatment of addictions
Ethical issues in counselling addictions
Preventive interventions

This course may be offered in the following formats

Onsite (face-to-face)
Online (eLearning)
Intensives
Extensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Exam (25%)
Case Study Analysis with Session Planning (50%)
Paper and Presentation (25%)

Prescribed Text

Mack, A.H., Brady, K.T., Miller, S.I., & Frances, R.J. (2016). Clinical Textbook of Addictive Behaviours (4th ed.). NY: Guildford Press.
West, R., & Brown, J. (2013). Theory of Addiction (2nd ed.). Chichester, UK: Wiley Blackwell.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any textbooks.