Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This practical, informative and stimulating course is designed to introduce the student to the field of addictions counselling. It looks as different causes and triggers for addictions, describes and explains how they develop over time, considers how they impact the client and their family, and weighs up treatment options and their records of success.
Specifically this course will discuss the following: alcohol addiction and substance abuse, gambling addiction, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder), shopping addiction, sexual addiction and addiction to the internet. These are complex problems that require specialist help – but this course will provide you with a basic understanding of the theory and skills associated with addictions.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this rewarding certificate course. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and then continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: Introduction to Addictions
Topics Studied
• Defining and categorising addictions
• Who is at risk of developing addictions?
• The stages of an addiction
• The effects of an addiction
• Consequences for the family
• The Preoccupation and Impact Scale
• Treatment options
• The role of counselling in recovery from addictions
• Examining the core counsellor qualities
• Practicing counselling microskills
• Developing effective listening skills
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Determine who might develop an addiction
• Explain how a habit becomes an addiction
• Analyse the basic conditions for effective counselling
Module 2: An Alcohol or Drug Addiction
Topics Studied
• Alcohol and alcoholism
• Contributing factors to developing an alcohol addiction
• The addict, the family and co-dependency
• Symptoms of an alcohol dependency
• Diagnosing an addiction
• Contributing factors to developing a drug addiction
• Symptoms of a drug dependency
• Symptoms of a drug addiction
• The effecta and consequences of a drug addiction
• Prescription drug addiction and abuse
• Counselling skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• State how alcohol works on the body
• Discuss the possible causes of an alcohol or drug addiction
• Appraise the consequences of a drug addiction
Module 3: A Gambling Addiction
Topics Studied
• Exploring different forms of gambling
• Counsellor self-awareness questionnaire
• What is compulsive gambling?
• Different types of problem gambler
• The phases of problem gambling
• Contributing factors to developing a gambling addiction
• Diagnostic and assessment tools
• Treatment options
• Essential counsellor skills: Developing a feelings vocabulary
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Review the different forms of gambling
• Connect the different phases of problem gambling
• Propose possible causes of a gambling addiction
Module 4: Eating Addictions and Compulsive Spending
Topics Studied
• What is a food addiction?
• Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder
• Symptoms of an eating disorder
• Contributing factors to developing an eating disorder
• Health consequences
• Treatment options (Eating disorders)
• Sypmtoms of compulsive spending
• Developing preventative strategies
• Treatment options (Compulsive spending)
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the warning signs of anorexia and bulimia nervosa
• Describe the health consequences of anorexia and bulimia nervosa
• Appraise what is meant by binge eating disorder
Module 5: A Sexual Addiction
Topics Studied
• The causes of a sexual addiction
• The role of genes and biochemistry
• Identifying the warning signs
• The addiction cycle
• The consequences of a sexual addiction
• Treatment options
• Cybersex
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Recognise the cyclical nature of a sexual addiction
• Present the consequences of a sexual addiction
• Critique the key components of cybersex
Module 6: Internet and Gaming Addictions
Topics Studied
• Symptoms of an internet addiction
• What needs are being met on the internet?
• Different types of internet addiction
• How male and female addicts differ
• Factors which increase the risk of addiction
• Children and the internet
• Tips and guidelines for parents
• Treatment options
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Review the different types of internet addiction
• Interpret the differences between male and female addicts
• Compile tips for parents who are dealing with an internet or gaming addiction
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M.D. (2019). Foundations of addiction counseling. (4th Ed.). London: Pearson.