Graduate Program
Academic Calendar for 2008
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  GP013 - AOD Treatment, Assessment and Planning
CREDIT POINTS:
15
PREREQUISITES:
None
COST:
$1000
DATES:

Tuesday evenings 5:30pm - 8:00 pm
4 March - 27 May 2008
This subject is also available in online mode
SUBJECT COORDINATOR:
Ray Stephens
CENSUS DATE:
4 April 2008

SUBJECT/UNIT SUMMARY:
This subject will be one of the two pre-requisites to undertake further units. As well as building on themes introduced in Perspectives in Drug Use, it will further develop the Harm Minimisation theme, especially regarding biological concepts underpinning dependence and harm reduction from the individual perspective.

Students will gain a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology, with particular emphasis on the nervous system. This will allow a greater exploration of the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs and the associated management of intoxication and withdrawal. Students will be introduced to Prochaska and DiClemente's Model of Change and it's application. Harm reduction (individual) strategies will be discussed, including an introduction to blood-borne viruses.

The subject will also focus on screening and assessment and the development of Individual Management Plans and referral. The legal and ethical context of practice will be examined, including mandatory requirements. Alternative therapies will also be introduced.

SUBJECT/UNIT OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the basic anatomical and physiological effects of drugs of dependence on major organ systems
  2. Develop skills to assess a client's readiness to change using Prochaska & DiClemente's Model of Change
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of blood-borne viruses
  4. Display an understanding of the appropriate interventions for intoxication and withdrawal.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the various substitute pharmacotherapies and alternative therapies
  6. Critically analyse the three key areas of the Harm Minimization policy
  7. Identify the components of a full alcohol and drug assessment, and conduct such an assessment
  8. Describe the alcohol and drug service system in various states
  9. Develop individual treatment plans for clients and make appropriate referrals
  10. Discuss statutory and ethical issues which impact upon alcohol and drug practice.

ASSESSMENT:

  1. Examination of 2 hours duration (30%)
  2. Completion of AOD assessment using an assessment tool, utilising a case study (Up to 1000 words) (40%)
  3. An Individual Treatment Plan utilising a case study - 1,000 words (30%)