Alcohol & Other Drugs Counselling

This module provides students with an introduction to contemporary substance misuse theory and its application in practice.

Students learn to: appropriately assess clients with issues involving alcohol and other drugs use; establish effective counselling role limits in such situations; understand the physical and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs dependency; client referral; and the study of contemporary approaches and methodologies in the treatment and management of alcohol and other drugs issues.

• CHCAOD1C Introduction to alcohol and other drugs work
• CHCAOD2C Orientation to the alcohol and other drugs sector

• Contextualise the issues involved in alcohol and other drugs use within sociological and psychological perspectives
• Demonstrate the application of counselling theory and practice in working with people with alcohol and other drugs issues
• Identify the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drug dependency
• Describe the role of the family and other relationships in alcohol and other drugs addiction and the issues that may emerge
• Describe contemporary approaches to the treatment of alcohol and other drugs addiction
• Identify and describe professional boundaries in working with clients with alcohol and other drugs issues

• Theoretical perspectives, terminology and sociological dimensions
• The effects of alcohol and other drugs use
• Assessment and referral of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• Treatment approaches for clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• Brief intervention strategies and motivational interviewing
• Self help interventions
• Co-dependency and family of origin issues
• Groups with special needs
• Contemporary issues and relapse prevention