COUN5801 Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling

Graduate Diploma Level Unit

Duration: One trimester

Level: 2nd year

Credit points: 8 (out of a total of 96 points)

Prerequisites: COUN5131 Counselling Practice and COUN5141 Counselling Theories

Mode(s) of delivery: On Campus and Blended Delivery

Core/elective: Elective

Unit description

This unit introduces a framework for counselling in the areas of substance use, abuse and dependency. It provides:

  • an overview of the theories and concepts of counselling in the area of substance use, abuse and dependency
  • knowledge of the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) National Drug Strategy Complementary Plan, and sociological aspects of drug/substance use, abuse and dependency such as social exclusion
  • identification of the physiological and psychological aspects of drug use, abuse and dependency and health promotion principles for working in this complex area
  • an outline and comparison of major approaches to the treatment of substance use, abuse and dependency and their evidence base
  • principles for working with voluntary and non voluntary clients
  • knowledge of best practice interventions for working with families affected by substance use, abuse and dependency
  • guidelines for working with clients with dual diagnoses, for example a mental illness combined with substance abuse
  • understanding of the specific impacts of alcohol and other drugs on Indigenous and culturally, linguistically and diverse (CALD) communities
  • boundaries and self care for counsellors working with substance use, abuse and dependency

Throughout this unit you will be encouraged to reflect on your personal values and attitudes towards substance use, abuse and dependency, as both affect your counselling practice.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the unit students will be able to:

a) understand and apply the concepts of substance use, abuse and dependency to case studies

b) identify and apply the major treatment options available in the field according to their evidence base

c) match treatment options to individual needs

d) develop and demonstrate specific assessment and referral skills for counselling clients effectively who present with substance use, abuse and dependency issues

e) develop and apply effective strategies for relapse prevention

f)  analyse interactions between individual drug use and the social context

g)  identify and apply the major treatment options available in the field according to their evidence base

h) match treatment options to individual needs

i)  analyse the impacts on families of substance use, abuse and dependency

j)  identify special needs groups and clients, including ATSI and CALD communities and develop evidence based interventions to meet their needs.

Unit workload

The workload for this unit is 12 hours per week.

Assignment summary

Please refer to the document available here. 

Textbook

The required text book for this unit  can be found by viewing the School of Counselling textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: http://www.acap.edu.au/current-students/managing-my-course/order-course-materials-and-text-books/

Academic misconduct

Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. This includes plagiarism of any nature. It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand what constitutes plagiarism in order to ensure that you do not engage in it. Please refer to http://currentstudents.acap.edu.au/assets/Managing-My-Course/A-Z-Policies/Academic-Misconduct-Policy.pdf for full details of the Academic Misconduct Policy.

 

Disclaimer

Unit information may be subject to change prior to the teaching trimester commencing.  Once term has commenced please review the Unit Outline in your class space to ensure your trimester study plan is correct.