Transcript

Learning outcomes

• Discuss the nomenclature, nature and diagnostic criteria for addiction.
• Describe the psychopharmacological basis of drug action, neurotransmission, tolerance and dependence, including the neuroanatomical structures relevant for addiction and the role of neuroimaging in understanding drug action and neuroadaptation.
• Explain the genetic, individual and environmental factors associated with addiction, including gene * environment interactions
• Summarise the psychosocial and health-related harms of addiction, including the effect of drug abuse and addiction upon foetal and child development.
• Describe the relationship between mental health problems, drug abuse and addiction, the link between cannabis and the onset of psychosis and the issues around dual diagnosis.
• Describe the general nature and range of treatment approaches for addiction.
• Explain the rationale for pharmacotherapeutic treatment approaches for addiction and the role of social setting and support in recovery.
• Discuss the economic benefit of effective addiction treatment.
• Describe the general nature of the role of policy in responding to drug related harm.
• Explain the role of policy on availability, accessibility and marketing upon drug prevalence.
• Debate the issues surrounding the legalisation or criminalisation of drugs of abuse.

Syllabus

• The nature of addiction and its diagnostic criteria.
• The pharmacology and neuroanatomy of addiction and dependence.
• Biological, genetic and environmental factors associated with the development of addiction.
• The consequences of addiction, including the complex relationship between mental health, drug abuse and addiction.
• The nature and range of treatment approaches and options available for addiction.
• The role of international and national policy in responding to addiction.
• First-hand account of an adult’s experience of addiction.
• Current research studies and techniques in addiction science.
• Future directions and challenges in addiction science, policy and treatment.