An Introduction to Substance Misuse
Gain a crucial understanding of drug categorisation and legislation that governs drug misuse with our online course. You’ll learn about causes of addiction and available treatments that help reduce harm and cure addiction.
Overview
The Introduction to Substance Misuse course offers essential guidance on key terms and legal implications of substance misuse. It explores topics such as: the four main types of drugs, the drug classification system, general and specific signs of substance misuse and addiction, and the types of treatment that are available.
More detail
Course syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Substance Misuse
- Course Introduction
This unit provides an introduction to the Introduction to Substance Misuse course, outlining the course structure and explaining how the following units cover the key concepts related to substance misuse and addiction.
- Key Terminology
We begin the course by defining important terms such as the difference between 'use' and 'misuse', the four main types of drugs, and the distinctions between tolerance, dependence, and addiction. These foundational definitions will prepare you for the rest of the course.
- Substance Misuse and the Law
This unit explores key legislation that governs substance misuse and discusses the legal implications of drug and substance abuse. It also explains the drugs classification system and examines the misuse of both legal and illegal substances.
- Substance Misuse and Addiction
Here we focus on the risks of substance misuse and the factors that contribute to addiction. The unit also explores the effects of addiction on individuals, as well as general and specific signs that indicate substance misuse or dependency.
- Support and Treatments
In the final unit, we look at harm reduction strategies, the stages of behavioural change in overcoming addiction, relapse prevention techniques, and the various types of treatment and support options available to individuals.
Obtaining your certificate
You will need to pass a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course in order to gain your accreditation. Once passed, we will send your official certificate by email.