Course Descriptions
ADST6003
Determinants of Substance Abuse and Dependence
This course is designed to provide addictions specialists with an understanding of the causes of substances abuse and dependency. Understanding the causes of substance abuse and dependency is the basic foundation for work in this challenging field. This course examines the various etiological factors that contribute to substance abuse and dependence, including neurobiological, genetic, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, spiritual, and contextual factors. Much emphasis will be placed on a biopsychosocial model, highlighting the inter-relationship between such factors.
7 weeks, 3 units
ADST6103
Substances of Abuse
Our appreciation of the variety of substances that may be the subject of abuse is often limited. This course is designed to provide an overview of the various substances of abuse that alter mood, level of perception, or brain functioning and are taken through a variety of routes of administration. Particular attention is paid to alcohol, cocaine (and crack), opiates (including heroin, narcotic painkillers), inhalants, marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, sedative hypnotics, and designer drugs (“club drugs”).
7 weeks, 3 units
ADST6203
Assessment and Evaluation
Addictions specialists must determine whether an individual has a serious issue with substance abuse. This course explores the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders, including Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence, comorbid disorders, differential diagnostic issues, and the various methods used to evaluate substance use problems. These methods include structured interview, self-report questionnaires, and the various forms of diagnostic laboratory screening methods available for detecting substance abuse.
7 weeks, 3 units
ADST6303
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy has proven to be an effective and widely accepted method of treating addiction. This course introduces the student to the role of various pharmacological agents used in the treatment of substance use problems, including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, disulfiram, and cannabinoids. This course will also focus on the various psychotropic medications used in the treatment of substance use problems, including antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics.
7 weeks, 3 units
ADST6403
Treatment Modalities
Where do we go when pharmacotherapy does not achieve our therapeutic goals? This course closely examines the various forms of non-pharmacological therapeutic modalities, including, individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, and couples psychotherapy. Various approaches will also be examined, including psycho-education, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, relapse prevention, motivational enhancement, as well as 12-Step Mutual Support Group approaches. In addition, this course will introduce the student to the various treatment settings that are available, including detoxification, inpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and therapeutic communities.
7 weeks, 3 units
ADST6501
Professional Practice Issues
This course examines the various aspects of professional practice, including case management functions, record keeping, report writing, consent to treatment, confidentiality and disclosure, and potential medical-legal issues.
3 weeks, 1.5 units