Course summary

This course is suitable for professionals working in mainstream services who want to enhance their knowledge in substance misuse. Many workers in health and social sectors identify people who suffer the consequences of substance use or misuse and need to refer or collaborate with the appropriate services. This course will enhance your ability to fulfil this part of your role. The course will combine theory, research and practice. It has a strong focus on applied knowledge and will give you valuable opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with practitioners from a variety of sectors. This is a top-up course, so you will enter at the level of the final year of a BSc Honours degree. This course is mapped against Drug and Alcohol Occupational Standards and affiliated with the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners (FDAP). Our overall aim is to offer a course that is current and relevant for any practitioner – from substance misuse nurse to schoolteacher – who has contact with clients with substance issues. You will develop your applied knowledge in areas including: • alcohol and drug effects • psychopharmacology • historical and cultural contexts of drug use and misuse • models of dependence • drug and alcohol policies • harm-reduction interventions to reduce blood-borne viruses • evidence-based treatments for substance misuse and dual diagnosis. In relation to dual diagnosis you will learn about risk assessment and management, policies, interventions and current research. You will benefit from teaching that takes into account ongoing developments in the field. To help you get the most from your learning experience, we will use teaching methods that include: • online activities • theatre techniques • group discussions • interactive tasks. Interaction is a key component of this practical course. With this in mind, we will invite contributions from a range of guest speakers, such as researchers, service users and other practitioners.