Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts

• Unit Code

  ADS1151

• Year

  2021

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Kimberley Douglas CLARK

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Description

This unit introduces the concepts, models and theories relating to alcohol and other psychoactive drug use. A range of perspectives on drug policy are introduced and contemporary approaches taken by different nations are presented. Students learn about the challenges of implementing harm minimisation policies and explore the patterns, policies and consequences of alcohol and other drug use in Australia. The unit approaches drug use and related experiences and drug-related harm from an evidence-based standpoint and examines the alcohol and other drug landscape from behavioural and health outcomes perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the implications of harm minimisation policy for dealing with alcohol and other drug use problems.
2. Evaluate the implications Australia’s National Drug Strategy for harm minimisation policies and practice.
3. Discuss contemporary Australian drug use patterns, harms and laws with diverse audiences.
4. Apply theories and models of alcohol and other drug use to interpret related behaviours and problems.

Unit Content

1. Alcohol and other drug use and related harms in Australia.
2. Dependence and addiction.
3. Drug types, effects and the law.
4. Models and theories used in the alcohol and other drugs field.
5. Demand, supply and harm reduction strategies.
6. Australian and other national policies on addressing drug-related harm.
7. Comparative international drug policy and evidence for effectiveness.
8. Career pathways in the alcohol and other drug use field.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECUs LMS as well as additional ECU l

Additional Learning Experience Information

Learning is highly interactive, with students engaging in discussions and debates with fellow students and lecturers to clarify ideas, explore diverse perspectives, investigate evidence and consider drug policy and practice. Students are encouraged to evaluate the implications of different perspectives to policy and draw on evidence to interpret whether it supports distinct standpoints. They are also encouraged to reflect on personal values and biases in assessments and to apply knowledge to communicate and present ideas to others. Students explore the scope of professional pathways in the alcohol and other drug field through research and reflection on their own preferences. Online students are required to participate in online discussion activities and share insights through live and asynchronous discussions during the semester.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Core Reading(s)

• Gossop, M. (2013). Living with drugs. (7th ed.). Surrey, England: Ashgate Publishing. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/827206870?databaseList=638

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