Course overview
This course will help you understand pathways from dependence to recovery and how we match the treatment to the patient's goals. First we will look at how we can identify risky use and intervene early. An extensive range of treatments is available to support people with moderate to severe dependence, depending on their goals. Some treatments will address physical dependence, while others focus on psychological factors and reintegration into the community. We will review the range of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments that can be used to support people to manage withdrawal and prevent relapse. Evidence-base of treatments, policy options and public health approaches will be reviewed. Population groups with special needs, and the rationale for addressing those special needs, will be discussed. The treatment of comorbidities, particularly mental health and substance use disorders, is an important example of special needs that will be addressed in some detail. Hurdles to access treatment will be reviewed as well as, the place of systematic reviews and guidelines in promoting the translation of evidence into practice.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the use of tools for screening and assessment of addiction
- Identify broad types of intervention for the treatment of addiction, and their aims
- Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of recovery from addiction and the place of different treatments in it
- Identify the conditions that are most likely to occur as comorbidities with addiction
- Discuss the differing perspectives of treatment providers, patients, families and government
- Identify the main factors that might be used to tailor treatment approaches to the individual
- Identify major outcomes that might be used to assess progress in treatment
- Identify current directions in addiction treatment
- Demonstrate skills in critical appraisal of information relating to the treatment of addiction