Program Overview

Introduction to Addiction Studies

Subject Description

This subject provides students with knowledge of a broad range of theoretical frameworks relating to the construct of addiction as well as the mechanisms of action and effects of a range of drugs and other addictions. This subject also aims to provide students with a theoretical framework to critically analyse a range of conflicting perspectives and develop understanding of addiction from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective.

Availability

The subject is available in:

• Session 1 (30)
  • Online
  • Wagga Wagga Campus
• Session 2 (60)
  • Online
  • Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to describe the processes of drug absorption and distribution
• be able to describe the actions of various drugs in the Central Nervous System
• be able to critically describe and apply the mechanisms of tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal in a range of different settings
• be able to critically describe and assess the influence of psychological, social, cultural and political factors on addiction
• be able to outline and critically reflect on behavioural and social models of addiction

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• A range of theoretical approaches to the construct of addiction
• An overview of the health and social consequences of addiction
• An examination of the issue of addiction in various population sub groups
• A range of approaches to prevention and treatment of addiction with a focus on harm reduction