Course Resources Archive

This module is designed for those who either work within the substance misuse services or those who encounter substance misusers is part of their work with other service user groups. It is mapped to the National Occupational Standards and concentrates on the practices of assessment, history taking, intervening and minimising the effects of addiction on those closest to the addict and the community.

This module will cover the following topics:

• Assessment and history taking – screening, questionnaires, drug history, social history, life history (areas to cover – appearance, speech, thought processes, severity, origins, consequences, strengths of the individual)
• Detail on the effects of different substances, their effect on neuro-transmitters, tolerance, and the physical complications associated with them (infections, lung problems, liver, skin or other damage, poor nutrition, trauma, Hepatitis, HIV)
• Management of addiction – cycle of change, detoxification process and complications, harm reduction, prevention
• Dual diagnosis and when to refer for mental health support
• Effects on family and links to child protection and family violence
• Interventions – CBT, groups, behavioural, motivational interviewing
• English policy and law on addiction management and prevention

i. Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
a) Evaluate the different kinds of assessment tools and history taking used within a substance misuse service;
b) Analyse the effects of different substances on neuro-transmitters, human physiology and ill health;
c) Evaluate the process of addiction and the ways of intervening or referral at different points in the cycle of change and in relation to mental and physical ill health;
d) Evaluate the effects of addiction on family and community;
e) Critically analyse the effectiveness of the legal, local and national policy on addiction management and prevention.

ii. Skills
On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
a) Assess need using established tools;
b) Create, build and maintain relationships;
c) Implement interventions and reflect on practice.

Staff student contact circa 20% (to include: lead lectures, seminars, on-line activity, group work, discussion, tutoring, coaching).
Student independent study circa 60% (to include: assignment preparation and group work).
Work based learning circa 20% (to include practice in the workplace).

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.