On completion of this unit, students will be able to: a) understand and apply the concepts of substance use and abuse to case studies b) explain the interactions between individual drug use and the...

On completion of this unit, students will be able to: a) understand and apply the concepts of substance use and abuse to case studies b) explain the interactions between individual drug use and the social context c) develop specific assessment and referral skills for working effectively with  clients who present with substance use, abuse and dependency issues d) identify the major treatment options available in the field and their evidence base e) match treatment options to individual client needs f) analyse the impacts on families of substance use and abuse g) identify special needs groups, communities and clients, including ATSI and CALD communities and develop evidence based interventions to meet their needs h) discuss current practice issues for alcohol and other drugs counsellors, including boundaries and self-care i) develop strategies for relapse prevention