MHP115 Introduction to Substance Use, Alcohol and Other Drugs (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health (NRMIH)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject introduces and orientates the student to the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) field. It will examine the historical context and current patterns of AOD use in our society. Various models of dependence including harm minimization as the dominant philosophy in Australia will be explored. The basic pharmacology of commonly used drugs of dependence will be detailed. The subject will cover the key components of assessment and intervention for states of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal. Finally the primary purpose and evidence supporting current specific AOD treatment interventions will be outlined. Holistic health encompasses spirituality as well as the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of the individual and community.
This subject has a compulsory Residential School.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Wagga Wagga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MHP115
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Restricted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to describe the trends and prevalence of AOD use in Australian society;
- be able to describe and apply different models of dependence;
- be able to define the terms harm minimisation and abstinence;
- be able to classify drugs correctly;
- be able to explain the key components of a AOD use assessment;
- be able to identify AOD use that place the client at risk of harm;
- be able to differentiate between signs and symptoms of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal;
- be able to describe the general principles of intervention of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal;
- be able to describe appropriate early and brief interventions;
- be able to describe forms of other specific AOD treatment interventions and the evidence supporting these interventions eg. opioid treatments and court diversion;
- be able to demonstrate understanding and application of the fundamental principles of written communication skills at a beginning level;
- be able to identify the factors that underpin effective oral presentations and demonstrate, with guidance, developing oral presentation skills;
- be able to use technology to aid research, record and present information in a professional manner, consistent with organisational requirements.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Module 1: History of AOD use in modern society and more specifically in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Module 2: Alcohol and Other Drugs: An introduction to models of dependence, and concepts of the continuum of harm minimisation and hazardous, harmful and dependent AOD use.
- Module 3: Broad overview of AOD use in the Australian population, and more specifically in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Module 4: Assessment of AOD use, including interviewing and assessment tools, observational and listening techniques.
- Module 5: Principles of assessment and intervention of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal states, relevant tools and documentation.
- Module 6: Early and brief interventions in the AOD field including a brief overview of stages of change and motivational interviewing.
- Module 7: Orientation to other specific AOD treatment interventions eg. opioid treatments and court diversion and the evidence supporting these interventions.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 2.66 day residential school.
The students undertaking subjects within the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) – Djirruwang Program are supported in their study endeavours through DEEWR funding under Away from Base to attend the compulsory residential schools. This funding is set at 20 days across two academic sessions (30 and 60). The following breakdown covers the number of days per subject per session/year to ensure that students are able to continue to be supported in their academic pursuits under the current funding agreement with the Indigenous Student Services (Ngungilanna).
First Year
Session One
MHP111 – 2 days
MHP112 – 2.66 days
MHP105 - 2.66 days
MHP109 – 2.66 days
Total 10 days
Session Two
MHP111 – 2 days
MHP115 – 2.66 days
MHP113 – 2.66 days
MHP114 – 2.66 days
Total 10 days
Specialised Resources
This subject has a residential school
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.