Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 5018
Course ID icon
Course ID
204509
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
8
Course level icon
Course level
5
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course is designed to provide an overview of the pharmacological management of alcohol and drug addiction. It will cover the management of withdrawal from alcohol, sedatives, opioids, cannabis and stimulants as well as long-term management of dependence on opioids, tobacco and alcohol. Additional topics include international perspectives on management of dependence, management of dependence during pregnancy and the process of medication development.

Course learning outcomes

  • The current possible approaches to treatment of drug problems, service delivery issues and future directions.
  • The major manifestations and treatment of withdrawal of: alcohol, sedatives, opioids, cannabis and stimulants.
  • The treatment options and long-term management for: opioid dependence, tobacco dependence, alcohol dependence.
  • International perspectives on treatment of opioid dependence.
  • The treatment options for addiction and dependence during pregnancy.Skills and AttitudesYou will be expected to develop and/or enhance your:
  • Competence in critical evaluation and interpretation of the existing literature on treatment of drug dependence and management of drug related problems.
  • Ability to effectively synthesize information and ideas in relation to approaches to management of problems related to drug use.
  • Academic writing skills.
  • Ability to effectively use online resources available in the drug and alcohol field.
  • Ability to effectively communicate your intellectual curiosity and knowledge to others in an online discussion
  • Ability to manage effectively the allocation of time in performing tasks.
  • Commitment to continuous learning.
  • Awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of your professional and student responsibilities.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A