Addiction Studies Extension Certificate

Classroom or Online
E-mail: cehealth@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.6867 or toll-free 1.866.616.3606
Register: Start here
Location: Lincoln Park Campus, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW

The comprehensive Addiction Studies Extension Certificate, supported by Alberta Health Services (formerly AADAC), introduces a variety of theories and models of addiction as they relate to prevention education.

If you interact with those addicted to gambling, alcohol or other substances, whether in a professional or personal capacity, you need knowledge of a broad range of addiction topics to successfully meet community needs.

You may take courses in order to receive credit towards annual professional development, registration and licence requirements in your field.

Program Notes
Classroom: Class times are Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Course materials for each course, approx $10+GST, are available at the BookStore.
Online: Complete each course online via independent study within a one-month period. Course materials for each course, approx $10+GST, are available at the BookStore.

Requirements

• access to and skills in word processing
• Connection to the Internet (a DSL or cable modem is recommended) is required in order to access course materials (online program) and supplemental course information (classroom program).
• Introduction to Addictions Perspectives is the prerequisite to all other courses in the program.

Earning Your Extension Certificate
Complete the six required courses (120 hours) listed in the schedule above with a minimum grade of 60%, and 80% attendance (classroom only) in each course. You can take classroom courses or study online, or a combination.

Career Outlook
The Addiction Studies Extension Certificate is an excellent opportunity for human service practitioners to learn about addictions. Earning your certificate may qualify you to work in an entry-level position in the health and human service field.

Required Courses

Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Gain an overview of several topics related to addiction, including behaviour dependencies, and the relationship between addiction, the individual, society and the environment. Examine attitudes about alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. Review different theories on substance abuse, and identify signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
Note: This course is the prerequisite to all other courses in the certificate.
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Drugs, How They Work, Their Effects
Acquire basic knowledge of how drugs are used, metabolized and excreted by the body. Discuss pharmacological terminology and the various drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Community-Based Prevention
Community involvement is an important strategy to help people address alcohol and other drug issues in their environment. Community-based prevention programs are designed to prevent or reduce the risk of developing substance abuse problems. Examine models of community collaboration, prevention programming, health promotion and harm reduction. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addiction Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Working with Adolescents
Explore how behavioural and developmental issues affect individual and group treatment activities. Examine intervention strategies, relapse and relapse prevention, and after-care needs for the adolescent. Explore gender-specific issues in relation to development and treatment needs. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Family and Addiction
Examine ways in which alcohol and other drug dependencies intrude on family dynamics. Explore the inter-relationships between family systems, dependency and drug use patterns. Symptoms of drug dependence within the family and the subsequent impact on family roles are also covered.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addiction Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Special Topics in Addiction
Current addiction issues in Calgary deal with gambling, violence, spirituality and populations at risk, including aboriginal peoples, the elderly and women. Hear from local experts in this interactive speaker series. Each class introduces a different guest speaker to conduct a workshop in his or her area of expertise. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

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