Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Addiction

Course Content:

This course provides the learner with a broad introduction to the causes and consequences of addiction, including the contributing factors that can increase the likelihood of behaviours related to addiction. Focusing on supporting behaviour change, we will have a deeper exploration of harm reduction, drug categories, effects and harms, the history and models of understanding addiction and explore the range of treatment approaches currently available. We will also gain a brief insight into therapeutic models and consider self-reflection and how we look after our own wellbeing while supporting others.  

Learning Outcomes:

• To learn how to respond confidently to the causes and consequences of addiction for individuals, families and communities 
• To understand the biological, psychological and social mechanisms, factors and causes of health risk behaviours  
• To learn harm reduction strategies and their impact upon individuals, families and communities 
• To gain and demonstrate a basic understanding of current therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and Person Centred Approaches 
• To identify strategies for supporting service users within their own practice (service, corps or community centre) 
• To have confidence in the use of evidence based therapeutic tools and resources to best support individuals, families and communities 

Additional Information

Course Duration: 22.5 hours

Pre-course work: It might be helpful to familiarise yourself with the iLearn courses available that are related to the learning: 

• Harm Reduction Approaches 
• Adverse Childhood Experiences 
• The Drugs Wheel 

Assessment: To consolidate learning participants will be asked to provide feedback and a short presentation from their breakout sessions to the wider group  

Who Should Apply?

Open to anyone whose role involves supporting people who are affected by addiction

Cost

£245 (Residential)

Note: Costs for Learning and Development course programme are covered by departmental employee/officer levy payments. However, should an employee/officer book a place on a course but then subsequently fail to attend or complete the course, repayment of cost of the course will be charged to the department/appointment concerned (recoverable from the individual) (Policy CS04 Sect 6.5). Please note a separate process for funding approval exists for accredited programmes.