6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
School of Psychological Sciences
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit gives students an overview of issues related to addictive behaviours. While the primary emphasis is on substance use, behavioural addictions such as gambling are also addressed. Students are introduced to problems in defining addiction and will be introduced to a range of theories which attempt to explain addictive behaviours. Issues relating to treatment of addictive behaviours will be introduced including prevention of addictive behaviours, assessment and various treatment options available. Students will be introduced to drug policy options in Australia and around the world.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- discuss the complexities in defining addiction, and the many behaviours which may come under this heading;
- critique competing theories of addictive behaviour;
- critique competing policy options;
- discuss specific issues facing particular groups of substance users and situate these issues in a broader social context; and
- evaluate the evidence for various models for preventing and treating addictive behaviours.
Assessment
- Literature review plan and summary (800 words) (20%)
- Critical literature review (3,000 words) (45%) (hurdle)
- Examination (2 hours) (35%)
Workload requirements
2 hour lecture each week and 2 hour seminar every second week.
See also Unit timetable information