PSY218 Psychology of Substance Abuse (8)
Abstract
This subject examines the way different factors interact to produce individual differences in use and abuse of substances ranging from ordinary food to illegal and exotic drugs. Theories across this spectrum are discussed as are the practices of prevention and treatment that arise out of these theories. The major orientation will be social cognition/social learning as a context for the study of motivations relating to the developmental sequence of risky use /dependence /identification with illness. Research on the perceived utility of the substance as it functions in sense of identity (gender as sex-role stereotype). Expectancies from use, and attempts to control use/abuse (restraint over consumption) will focus on the problem of bingeing as a common factor in substance abuse. Eating and drinking problems will be compared.
Students should note that this subject does not contribute to an Australian Psychological Society accredited major in psychology. |
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
| Session 1 | | Distance | Bathurst Campus |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSY218
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| One session | HD/FL | School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies |
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Assumed Knowledge| (PSY101 and PSY102) or (PSY111 and PSY102) or (PSY111 and PSY113) |
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Enrolment restrictions| Not available to students who have completed WEL215 |
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Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this subject, students should:
* understand the development of addiction as it affects personal life and society
* analyse dilemmas concerning individual freedoms versus social damage that face social policy makers
* discuss both sides of major debates surrounding drug issues e.g. “war against drugs”
* evaluate the importance of primary, secondary and tertiary intervention
* compare the basis of the traditional and contemporary approaches to treatment of drug related problems
* describe recent developments in community action, health promotion and alternative educational strategies
* explain the idea of a drug career |
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SyllabusThe subject will cover the following topics:
* Epidemic, endemic and "therapeutic" concepts of addiction. (The facts compared with the Myths about drug use.)
* Theoretical perspectives on the abuse of psychoactive substances (the bio-medical, psychological, psycho-social, socio-cultural dimensions of addiction)
* Evidence of current trends in drug use particularly in Australia. Types of drugs and their populations of users
* The effects of legislation and prohibition as control mechanisms
* Health Promotion and Strategies of prevention
* Techniques of assessment
* Current methods of intervention, their degree of success/failure
* Recent developments regarding the redefinition of the identity of "addict" through the rebuilding of self-esteem through self-control (promotion of the process of becoming de-addicted) |
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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
