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
PSC70001 Addiction Counselling

Rules

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

Equivalent
HAYC412 - Addiction Counselling (Discontinued) and HAYC426 - Addiction Counselling (Discontinued) and HAYC513 - Addiction Counselling (Discontinued) 

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
26-February-2024
26-May-2024
Last self-enrolment date
10-March-2024
Census date
31-March-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
12-April-2024
Results released date
02-July-2024

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate and apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in addiction counselling
  • Analyse and evaluate the difference between problematic substance use and addiction, the factors that are involved in substance use, and the process of recovery
  • Critically analyse and apply the different techniques that can be used to engage willing and mandated clients with substance use issues in a counselling context
  • Communicate knowledge and skills in the field of addiction counselling using written discussions and case studies

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Seminar
3.00 12 weeks 36
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various
2.50 12 weeks 30
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning
7.00 12 weeks 84
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
AnalysisIndividual/Group 50% 1,3,4 
Case Study ReportIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4 
Online AssignmentIndividual 10% 1,2,4 

Content

  • Substance use in Australia and understanding addiction
  • Understanding the process of change and motivation to change
  • The first session
  • Complex clients /assessment and treatment planning
  • Treating triggers and moderating factors
  • Prescription medication abuse
  • Mutual aid programs
  • Towards happiness and contentment

Study resources

Reading materials

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