Overview

Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical models of addictive behaviour from a biological, psychological, and social-learning theory perspective. Different types of addictive behaviours will be covered as well as individual, group and community based treatments. The stages of addiction are addressed in the context of a biopsychosocial model of addiction. A further aim is to examine issues related to addiction, including dual diagnosis, happiness and contentment, and resistance.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Rules

Admission into:
GC-COU Graduate Certificate of Counselling
OR
GD-COU Graduate Diploma of Counselling
OR
MA-COU Master of Counselling

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in addiction counselling across diverse contexts
  • Demonstrate understanding of the development of different types of addiction, including relevant biopsychosocial factors, and the implications for treatment
  • Critically analyse and apply a range of counselling techniques to effectively engage diverse client populations across various counselling settings
  • Communicate knowledge and skills in the field of addiction counselling through discussions, case studies, and reflective writing.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week
On-campus Class 36 12 weeks 3
Specified Activities Various 30 12 weeks 2.5
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 84 12 weeks 7
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 12.5

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Role Play Individual 15-30%  1,2,3
Role Play Individual  30-50%  1,3,4 
Case Study Report Individual  30-60%  1,2,4 

Content

  • Understanding addiction in an Australian context
  • Substance use and behavioural/process addictions
  • The process of change and motivation to change
  • Initial contact and intake session planning
  • Case formulation, treatment planning, and ongoing risk assessment
  • Working with diverse and complex clients across a range of counselling contexts
  • Socio-ecological factors in addiction and addiction counselling
  • Positionality, cultural safety, and anti-oppressive approaches in addiction counselling

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.