10 cp
Prerequisites COUN520 Understanding Substance Use and Dependence and COUN521 Assessment of Drug and Alcohol Use and Co-Morbidity
Teaching Organisation 2 hours per week for twelve weeks or equivalent

The purpose of this unit is for students to develop skills and confidence to meet the needs of clients affected by alcohol and other drug use. Firstly, students will gain an understanding of the process of change within the course of drug and alcohol misuse. Secondly, students will be provided with an opportunity to understand the role of evidence-based practice when addressing the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues. A range of counselling approaches applicable when counselling clients with alcohol and other drug related concerns will be introduced. The needs of families and carers affected by someone else’s substance use will be addressed from a counselling perspective. The ethics of counselling within the alcohol and other drugs context will also be considered. Finally, the importance of working collaboratively with other agencies and making appropriate referrals will be addressed.