WEL522 Addiction Studies (8)

This subject will provide students with an understanding of drug dependence/addiction and its relationship to social and political constructs. The context in which policies relating to the use of psychoactive substances are created is examined with particular reference to how the political imperatives of other nations (including the USA, UK and the Netherlands) affect the Australian milieu. Consideration is given to a range of responses to problematic substance use including prohibition, harm minimisation and notions of choice and free will.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Only for those students enrolled in the Master of Addiction Studies

Subject Relationships

WEL229 Substantially same subject - Different expectations in assignment content, word length, etc.

Incompatible Subjects

WEL229

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to discuss the relationship between substance use and the social and political mores of contemporary society
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of some of the major theories and responses relating to problematic substance use
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding that the causes of addictive behaviours are multiple and may include social, psychological and physiological factors
  • Be able to critically assess the factors that influence the development of government legislation in addressing gambling, and drug and alcohol use
  • Be able to critically assess the historical influence of psychoactive substance use on social and cultural mores.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

The social and political drivers that influence the development of conceptual frameworks relating to substance use and abuse; The factors that influence the development of government policy in relation to gambling, drugs and alcohol including revenue raising, reflection of contemporary social attitudes and responses to media-generated pressure; An overview of approaches that are used to address individual and social problems related to substance use and abuse An overview of the development of Australia's proscribed substances list

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back