ADD 184 Introduction to Addictions is designed as an introductory exploration of both substance and behavioural addiction. The five perspectives of addiction are identified and explored. Current research in the biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors of addiction are considered, and treatment models are specified that correspond with the five perspectives of addiction. Emphasis is placed on social factors, including marginalization, stigmatization, poverty, and dislocation and are identified and explored through the lens of First Nations, LBGTQ, women, disabilities, men, older adults, etc. Historical factors of addiction are explored and their influence on current drug policies are identified. Advocacy and empowerment skills for working with those with addictions are identified. Professional behavior skills within the addictions field are practiced.
Notes:
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | 3.00 |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the five perspectives of addition within the context of the biopsychosocial Spiritual Model
- Identify biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors of addiction
- Describe treatment models corresponding to the five perspectives of addition
- Summarize specific considerations for the many faces of addiction
- Practice essential skills
- Explain current drug policies within the context of the history of addiction
- Describe advocacy and empowerment skills in the field of addiction
Teaching and Learning Approach
In order to fully engage in the exploration of the complex topic of substance use and addiction, this course
requires active participation. This means showing up to class willing to ask questions, listen to each other and be
open to learning new perspectives. Throughout the course group work and discussions, self reflection and
realistic case scenarios will provide the learner with opportunities to engage in a multitude of learning styles.
Written reflections, course materials and class discussions will be used to develop critical thinking skills in terms
of understanding substance use and addiction. Professionals from the field and people with lived experience will
be brought in to offer students the opportunity to learn from experts, ask questions and challenge their
assumptions.Learning Resources
No textbook will need to be purchased for this course
An open education resource will be used, link to be provided on the course Moodle site
Additional resources will be provided on Moodle
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Introduce the Course Review Assignments Create Classroom Agreements
2. 2. Language and Substance Use Why People Use Substances
3. 3. What are Psychoactive Substances
4. 4. Impact on Brains and Bodies
5. 5. Theories of Addiction
6. 6. Process Addiction Time to work on Group Assignment
7. 7. Reading Week
8.
8. Substance Use Laws Fentanyl Crisis
9. 9. Treatment Approaches Harm Reduction
10. 10. Advocacy, Health Promotion and Early Intervention
11. 11. The many faces of addiction
12. 12. What does recovery look like? Guest Speaker
13. 13. Putting it all together Identify key learnings
14. 14. Presentation Day
Assessment
| Title |
Learning Outcomes |
Value |
| Early Term Reflection: Beliefs, Biases and Substance Use |
1,5 |
10% |
| Assignment 2 - Substance use in Context |
2,3,4 |
25% |
| Assignment 3 - Group Presentations |
5, 6, 7 |
25% |
| Exit Tickets/Mini Quizzes |
1 - 7 |
25% |
| End of Term Growth Reflection |
2,5,7 |
15% |
| Total |
100% |
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.