ASC5002 - Socio-cultural perspectives of addiction

This unit explores trends in the use of particular substances and behavioural addictions, including historical precedents, in Australia and other countries. Addiction will be considered with particular reference to special population groups such as people with co-occurring mental health conditions, indigenous populations, youth, older adults, GLBTI groups and transcultural communities. The aim of the module will be to review social norms and expectations, and consider the bases for stigma and discrimination, and mechanisms for destigmatising drug use in these populations.

This unit will be taught through distance education and include topics such as:

• History of alcohol, other drug use and behavioural addictions in Australia and Internationally
• Social, political and economic factors that affect addiction
• Addiction and views of addiction in relation to special population groups including
• People with co-occurring mental health conditions (dual diagnosis)
• Indigenous populations
• Youth
• Older Adults
• GLBTI communities
• Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

The materials for this unit will be provided by academic staff with specialist knowledge of their special population group(s) and include the most recent literature pertaining to these groups. Where possible, input (for example, case studies or stories) from the 'lived experience' of people representing these special population groups will be provided for students.