Substance Misuse

Course details

This programme is designed to provide an overview of alcohol use/abuse both in Ireland and internationally and of drugs, both legal and illegal and the categories into which they fall. There will be examples of best practice in relation to alcohol from both an abstinence view point and a harm reduction view point.

The programme is highly interactive with some group exercises and scenarios and is aimed at participants who wish to expand their knowledge of alcohol and drugs and their use/misuse. Practical examples will be given to develop theory into practice. Above all this programme is a practical application of relevant theory and evidence based practice in relation to drug and alcohol use/abuse.

PROGRAMME CERTIFICATION

• Certificate of attendance in Substance Misuse from The Learning Curve Institute.

PROGRAMME AIMS

The aim of this workshop is to raise awareness among participants of the various drugs, both legal and illegal, that are available at the present time in their area. Participants will be presented with a wide range of information on various drugs, including alcohol, and the categories into which they fall. This is to inform participants of the effects of drugs and signs and symptoms of a person who may be using various types of drugs.

The workshop will enable participants to:

• Become aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs, both short term and long term.
• Formulate a care plan/action plan with clients who are alcohol or drug dependent
• Formulate a care plan/action plan with clients who are abstinent
• Become aware of the process of withdrawal and possible consequences
• Become aware of international best practice in the area of alcohol and drugs.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

The methodology used in this training will be a combination of the following:

Participative: The participants will be asked to contribute to the training both in the large group and also in smaller ones. There will be a number of exercises throughout the training that are designed for the group to be split up into smaller groups.

Experiential: The training will allow participants to contribute by using examples of anonymous clients that they have worked with or are currently working with.

Theory into practice: The training will allow some role plays that will encourage participants to put the theory into practice.

Information giving: There will be handouts and information on relevant reading that will be distributed at each days training.

Worker led: The training will be flexible to the needs of the group.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• To build on and expand existing knowledge in relation to Drug and Alcohol Awareness and substance misuse within the group.
• To enhance confidence in participants in relation to their understanding of substance use/abuse in modern society.
• To enhance participants awareness of the process of detoxification in relation to alcohol.
• To build awareness within the group regarding the effects of drugs, both short term and long term, and to enhance knowledge relating to the methods of measuring a clients drug use.
• To increase awareness within the group of strategies for working with people who are either drug or alcohol dependent or abstinent.
• To allow space and time for participants to look at their own practice in relation to substance use/abuse and to develop best practice.
• To allow space and time for participants to look at drugs at a community and social level and examine the drug using trends that exist in Ireland and internationally.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

None.

ASSESSMENT

None.