HLTH 4510: Introduction to Problematic Substance Use and Approaches for its Prevention and Treatment

HLTH 4510: Introduction to Problematic Substance Use and Approaches for its Prevention and Treatment

HLTH 4510: Introduction to Problematic Substance Use and Approaches for its Prevention and Treatment

(3,0,0)

This course is designed to provide participants with grounding in the theoretical underpinning of substance use practices through a review of conceptual, historical, political, and societal factors that influence values, beliefs, approaches, and practices with persons with problematic substance use. Throughout the course participants will be encouraged to reflect upon their own attitudes and beliefs and to consider how prior knowledge and experiences may have influenced their understanding of substance use disorders and their perceptions of persons experiencing problematic substance use and their families. Foundational concepts and methods in prevention and treatment of problematic substance use will be introduced.

HLTH 4520: Assessment and Intervention 1: Working with Individuals and Families to Support Recovery form Problematic Substance Use (nearing completion)
Building on many of the concepts introduced in HLTH4510, this course will focus on ways of supporting individuals and families who are adversely affected by substance misuse. The intent of this course is to introduce students with key concepts and basic competencies they will build upon in 4530 in order to be successful in their practicum. It will blend evidence-informed practices and core behavioural and technical competencies for addiction professionals through an interprofessional lens. Consideration will be given to the social determinants of health and the impacts these have upon case conceptualization and care planning. Topics will include: historical and contemporary theories and perspectives on addiction and addiction treatment; core concepts necessary for client centred care such as ethical decision making; establishing a therapeutic relationship; effective communication; and screening and assessment as not just a precursor but an ongoing and essential component of treatment. Evidence-based interventions will be examined with a special emphasis on skills within evidence-based practices that illustrates a selection of core technical competencies. Evidence-based practices will include: Motivational Interviewing; Brief Intervention; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Relapse Prevention; Behavioural Couples Therapy; Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training; Contingency Management; Behavioural Social Skills Training; and Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy.

HLTH 4530: Assessment and Intervention 2: Working with Individuals and Families to Support Recovery from Concurrent Disorders (under development)
This course will build on HLTH4520 and focus on the integration of more advanced knowledge, skills and tools required in increasingly complex situations. The course will begin with an examination of care from a systems level and explore how systems shape the delivery of frontline services. The central focus will be on servicing individuals (and their families) who are living with serious mental illness and addiction. It will blend evidence-informed practices and core behavioural and technical competencies for addiction professionals through an interprofessional lens. Consideration will also be given to specific populations. Consideration of culture, diversity, gender, sexual orientation and race and the impact on client health and treatment will be a focus in each case study assignment.

HLTH 4540: Population-Based Prevention and Intervention (under development)
This course will require participants to take a broadened view of approaches to reducing risk and harms of substance use for individuals, helping systems and communities, including health promotion, prevention, harm reduction and drug policy. Participants will consider population as individuals, families, social and demographic cohorts, neighourhoods and larger communities when examining policy, programs, advocacy and legislation aimed at preventing and/or reducing substance use/abuse.

HLTH 4550: Clinical Practicum/Directed Reading (under development)
Clinical Practicum is designed to consolidate addiction treatment and prevention theory and practice. Over the course of 13 weeks, students will participate in a series of online directed readings and assignments and receive 96 hours of clinical experience. Students will be provided the opportunity to demonstrate competency in addiction prevention and treatment practice, integrating aspects of all discipline and health related course theory. Emphasis is placed on demonstration of behavioural and technical skills required to meet the current competency profiles for Canada’s substance abuse workforce. This course will enable students to expand their knowledge by providing an opportunity to observe service areas within the addiction prevention and treatment system.