CARE08049 2022 Addiction Studies

Critique the addiction discourse from an equality perspective, with an understanding of its development trajectory within the field of social care. (Domain 1.9, 2.12, 3.6, 5.1, 5.3, 5.5, 5.6, 5.14, 5.15)

Demonstrate an understanding of basic intervention skills, and prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services for those with addictive behaviours or their families (Domain 1.23; 2.1; 4.4; 5.1; 5.16).

Critique literature on the addiction field (Domain 1.9, 1.19; 3.6; 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6).

Analyse addiction policy and legislation to its impact on social care practice (Domain 1.9, 1.19).

Critique the models of addiction (Domain 1.19; 3.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6).

The module will be delivered as a two-hour lecture and one hour tutorial per week.

Students will be expected to engage with the Moodle page.

All assessments will be both formative for feedback and summative.

Students will be expected to attend an open AA and AlAnon meeting that will be held during the module.

There will be two guest speakers from addiction practice.

Awareness campaign 60%

LOs 1 & 2

Due date: In tutorial class , a date will be allocated for week 8, 9, 10 & 11

In groups of maximum 4, students should design and implement a creative addiction awareness campaign of their choice to a particular target group. Groups will pitch their idea in formative assessment before their summative assessment on week 5 for peer and lecturer feedback.

Research essay: 40%

LOs 3, 4 & 5

Due date: Week 13

Students are required to write a 2,000 word critical research essay on addiction, in which they can choose an area of interest that has been covered in the module. This essay should include the relevant model(s) of addiction, relevant policy and legislation and link theory to practice. Students have the option to submit a 1,000 word draft on week 8 for feedback.

This modules assessment allows for assessment of CORU Standards of Proficiency as follows:

Awareness campaign/ workshop (Domain 1.23; 2.1; 3.12; 4.4; 5.1, 5.16).

Research essay (Domain 1.9, 1.19; 3.6; 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6)

A repeat project will be assigned.

1. Irish culture, the media and substance misuse:

An examination of the historical context of Irish drinking and drug culture, with a focus on stereotyping and its impact. An analysis of the economic benefits and issues of alcohol. An explanation of regulations, codes of practice, restrictions and anti-alcohol/ drug campaigns. Critique of alcohol marketing for children and young people.

2. Alcohol and drug awareness:

Information on legal and illegal drugs and alcohol and in facilitating awareness campaigns and workshops.

3. Addiction, a family disease:

An exploration of role behaviour in a dysfunctional family. The explanation of basic intervention skills and supports available. The description of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The analysis of the Hidden Harm Strategy.

4. Views of addiction

An explanation of the types of addiction, Irish statistics and the addictive disease process. An outline of the DSM-1V/ DSM-V criteria for alcohol dependence. Show examples of assessment tools and describe basic intervention strategies. An explanation of the Local and regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, and how and where to refer a client. A critique of the models of addiction – moral, socio-cultural, psychological, disease, bio-medical, bio-social and public health.

5. The harm reduction (HR) model:

An examination of the history and current practices of the HR model. The explanation of Methadone maintenance, needle exchange and drug consumption rooms. A discussion on the controversies, barriers and benefits surrounding HR. A focus on heroin injection use. To describe the Misuse of Drugs Act (2015).

6. Behavioural addictions:

The explanation of sexual addiction and sexual anorexia, compulsive buying disorder and internet/ phone addiction. Describing assessment tools, basic intervention skills and supports available.

7. Irish policy:

The analysis of the National Alcohol Policy (1996), National Drugs Strategy (2008-2009) and the National Substance Misuse Strategy.

8. Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI):

An exploration of the stages of change. A description of the core principals and communication skills in MI.

9. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS):

The explanation of NPS such as PMA/ PMMA, Synthetic Cannabinoids, stimulant-type drugs, research chemicals and Hallucinogenics. An explanation of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act (2010).