Conversations about Addiction

This series of conversations aims to equip qualified practitioners (social workers, psychologists & counsellors), family members and people recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) with information and knowledge on SUD, addiction and addiction related topics enabling them to adequately counsel and support individuals, families and communities affected by addiction.

For professionals, each conversation is presented as a standalone course and will count towards the CPD points listed.

(1) CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ADDICTION – THERE IS A WAY OUT: GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

3 SESSIONS:

  1. The experience of addiction and why it is difficult to stop;
  2. The role of the counsellor and assessment;
  3. Relapse and sustained recovery.

Substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction is often seen as a disorder or illness that reoccurs and fills many people with a sense of shame and hopelessness. This conversation gives a broad overview of what addiction is, how it is experienced by the person who is addicted and the difficulty experienced in stopping. The importance of thorough assessment and the role of the counsellor is unpacked and applied to a case study. The conversation is rounded of by unpacking what relapse is, how we prevent it and how to achieve sustained recovery.

(2) CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER INTERVENTIONS

3 SESSIONS:

  1. Labelling, stigma, and ethics;
  2. What intervention entails – treatment options (referral, networking and including 12 steps, detoxification, substances of abuse);
  3. Role of the counsellor, aftercare and drug testing.

Many treatment interventions have been developed over the years to treat substance use disorder (SUD). This conversation looks at the different treatment approaches and interventions. The first session explores labelling, stigma and the ethics around SUD treatment interventions. The second session sets out past and current treatment options and includes a detailed discussion of detoxification and substances of abuse. The last session focuses on the role of the counsellor before, during and after treatment. Tips are included for dealing with the person in need of treatment at the various stages of their addiction and recovery.

(3) CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER ON THE FAMILY

3 SESSIONS:

  1. Impact on the spouse/partner;
  2. Impact on the children;
  3. Impact on the parent(s)

Substance use disorder does not only affect the person abusing substances but also everyone the person comes into contact with. In this conversation Dr Schultz shares his findings from his doctoral studies through the discussion format. The three sessions respectively look at how the spouse or partner, children and parents of persons with substance use disorder are impacted through the behaviour of the user. The role of the counsellor in relation to the family is explored and tips are provided to assist counsellors to help the entire family system.

(4) CONVERSATIONS ABOUT COMMUNITY AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

3 SESSIONS:

  1. Identifying and contextualizing substance use disorder in the community; (substances of abuse)
  2. Engaging community action;
  3. Establishing a community drug action group.

Substance abuse is a social issue. It involves not only the person using substances but also the family, community and society. This conversation delves into the role of the community in addressing substance use disorder.  It looks at the role of the counsellor in engaging community members and to empower them to take action in order to implement change. A step-by-step process is discussed to assist the counsellor with the above.

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