Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 5020
Course ID icon
Course ID
204511
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/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

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A