COUN 105 - Addictions Counselling

Course Objectives

This course provides students intending to enter the helping professions with extensive knowledge of the theoretical frameworks and concepts related to all forms of addictions and substance mis-use. Issues of compulsion, physical and psychological dependence, tolerance and basic pharmacology will be addressed. Students will learn to identify how addictions can control and diminish people's lives, and how to work with client's fears and resistant behavior. Using the Prochaska and DiClemente model, students will come to a better understanding of the biopsychosocial elements of addiction and the processes related to positive behavioral changes.

Before the end of this course, students will demonstrate the following:

1. Knowledge of basic addiction concepts including physical and psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
2. Knowledge of the various theories of addiction as they relate to all forms of addiction
3. Knowledge of basic pharmacology including sources of psychoactive drugs, drug classifications, drug effects on the central nervous system, methods of administration and drug interactions
4. An understanding of the theory and principles of the Prochaska and DiClemente model for Stages of Change
5. An understanding of the underlying emotional/developmental issues which may create and maintain addictive/self-soothing destructive behaviour