Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 5020
Course ID icon
Course ID
204511
Campus icon
Campus
Online
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
8
Course owner
Course owner
School of Pharm and Biomed Sci
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Andrea Pelentsov
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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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

Course overview

This course/module is designed to enable students to gain advanced understanding of the critical issues involved in the identification, recruitment, assessment, diagnosis and classification of individuals who misuse substances. Local, national and international barriers to treatment (stigma, culture, religion, politics, legal issues, civil commitment, cost, attitudes and beliefs) will be considered. Students will explore and critically examine treatment options in special settings (for instance, prisons, criminal justice and employment) and in special populations (for instance, addicted healthcare professional, co-morbid patients, pregnancy).

Course learning outcomes

  • Critical issues involved in working with substance misuse clients concerning diagnosis andidentification of substance misuse.
  • Developmental effects of alcohol and of drugs of abuse.
  • Critical issues involved identification of addiction in younger and older populations.
  • Emerging issues in the addictions field.
  • Special issues related to dual diagnosis.
  • Knowledge of the issues germane to substance misuse across the age range.
  • Understanding of the terminology and nomenclature used to describe those who usesubstances.
  • Ability to write in a critical manner.
  • Role as an active participant in the online discussion board.
  • Ability to evaluate and critically discuss the issues raised in the module

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 11/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Mon 28/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Mon 12/10/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 64060
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed PHARM7519EX Treatment of Addiction - Critical Issues at the University of Adelaide

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.