What will you learn

Skills and knowledge you will gain after completing this course:

  • Understand Foundational Theories: Grasp the major theoretical models of addiction (Moral, Psychological, Medical/Disease, and Socio-Cultural) and how they inform treatment strategies.

  • Identify Addiction Mechanisms:Explore the neurobiological and psychological foundations of addiction, including the brain's reward system and the emotional roots of compulsive behaviour.

  • Master Treatment Approaches:Gain competence in various evidence-based treatments, such as Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the Minnesota Model, and Pharmacotherapy.

  • Support Families: Learn how to identify and address the dynamics of addiction within families, including issues of co-dependency, parental impact, and intervention strategies (e.g., Al-Anon).

  • Facilitate Recovery:Acquire practical skills in screening, assessment, developing personalised treatment plans, and implementing effective relapse prevention techniques for long-term recovery.

  • Apply Ethical Practice:Understand the professional issues, ethical considerations, and essential 'helper' qualities required for working successfully in addiction-related settings.

  • Analyse Societal Impact:Evaluate current drug policies, legislation, and public health approaches (including harm reduction vs. abstinence) regarding addiction in society and the workplace.

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction: About instructor & the course

    1. The Moral Model

    2. The Psychological Model

    3. The Medical / Disease Model

    4. The Socio-Cultural Model

    1. Pharmacotherapy

    2. The Minnesota Model

    3. Counselling and Therapy

    4. Harm Reduction Model

    5. Treatments in Practice

    1. Drug Policies, Legislation and Decriminalisation

    2. Community change, Outreach, Harm Reduction or Abstinence

    3. Alcohol and Drug Education

    4. Alcohol- and drug related issues in the workplace

    1. Codependency, Children of alcoholic families, parenting styles, family factors

    2. Relapse for families, ‘letting go’, dependent attitudes and dependent behaviours

    3. Al-Anon

    4. The Intervention Approach

    1. Why be a ‘helper’

    2. ‘Helper’ qualities and attitudes

    3. The art of ‘accepting’

    4. Counselling / ‘helping’ skills

About this course

  • £17.99
  • 22 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content

Did you know?

The brain's reward system, involving dopamine, treats behavioural addictions (like gambling or social media) with the same intensity as substance misuse. Understanding this neurochemistry is the key to effective, modern recovery strategies.

Enroll today

You'll learn from

A UK Research Psychologist and international expert in Psychology & Counselling Elmira Strange

Learn from Elmira Strange, MPhil, a seasoned Motivational Psychologist and Certified Life Coach. With a rich background in Research Psychology and lecturing at UK universities, Elmira brings deep expertise in psychology and counselling. Her unique journey, spanning Kazakhstan, Russia, and the UK, coupled with a life-altering experience, fuels her passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others. Her research on stress in families of disabled children highlights her commitment to practical application. As a dedicated online entrepreneur since 2006, she excels blending academic rigour with accessible teaching, ensuring you gain valuable, real-world insights. Elmira's ability to simplify complex psychological concepts makes her an ideal guide for your occupational therapy learning journey.

Course FAQ

Your Psychology and therapy of addictions course related questions answered.

  • I don't have a background in psychology. Is this course suitable for me?

    Absolutely. This course is designed to accommodate learners from all backgrounds, providing a comprehensive foundation from the ground up. Whether you are a dedicated beginner or a professional in a tangential field, you will gain the expertise needed to understand and work in the world of addiction therapy.

  • Is addiction only about drugs and alcohol?

    Not at all. A core strength of this course is its focus on all compulsive behaviours. You will gain deep insight into how therapeutic models apply equally to behavioural addictions such as compulsive gambling, gaming, and disordered eating, expanding your scope of practice significantly.

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