Addiction Studies and Psychology

The Addiction Studies Diploma provides a real opportunity for you to learn about the process of addiction and the consequences of how it affects families, communities and Irish society.

This highly rewarding 10 week programme is one of the top courses in Ireland in this area. This Addiction Studies course is relevant to anyone interested in working with persons with different types of addiction. Ideally suited for care workers, community workers, social workers, charity volunteers, agency workers, or indeed anyone, who wishes to work in this challenging area.
 

Addiction Studies Course Aims

You will gain a thorough understanding of the different misuses and effects of drugs on Irish society. Apart from acquiring a critical awareness of the causes of addiction, and models of treatment of addiction, you will learn to identify patterns of drug abuse by examining historical trends in Irish society.

An important part of the Addiction Studies course is identifying strategies appropriate to the various stages of the addiction process. An analysis of community responses to addiction and responses that can be made at local level makes this a highly interesting field of research. An analysis of the media re-presentation of addiction and how it affects attitudes in society will help you develop and personal and broader view of this complex area.

The CMI Diploma in Addiction Studies leads to a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community Addiction Studies.

Addiction Studies Course Overview

The CMI Diploma in Addiction Studies is a highly rewarding, challenging and fascinating course and many students use this course in order to pursue work in this field.

The Diploma in Addiction Studies is divided into the following areas;
 

1. Drugs and their effects
2. The impact of addiction on the family and the community.
3. The services available in response to addiction
4. Community responses
5. The nature and practice of intervention
6. The media presentation of addiction
7. Application of Psychological Theory & Behavioural Interventions
8. The participant's own personal learning 

Personal Learning:
All participants on this programme will be expected to keep and maintain a personal log/journal of their personal learning experiences during the course.

Course Work:
The Diploma in Psychology & Addiction Studies course work comprises of practical home assignments and a project. To ensure that learning is converted to practice, practical guidance will be offered throughout the course by experienced lecturers with several years experience in this area.

Progression:
On successful completion of this course, you can pursue a degree award in any humanities, social work or social sciences discipline from a recognised third level institution. Many students will also volunteer their services to the relevant agencies who specialise in different types of addiction or will end up working in the voluntary, health or social care sectors.