Quick links
Download our Mobile app
Icon for Apple. App Store Icon for Android. Google Play
Register Now For Fall
Connect with Us

Fundamentals of Addictions (Certificate)

Credential:
Durham College Certificate
Code:
FNAD

Durham College Certificate

Program Description

This program provides a specific focus on the knowledge, skills and techniques that are recognized as being fundamental to working with clients affected by addictive behaviours and/or mental health issues in private addiction facilities, group homes or halfway houses. Courses address psychoactive drug use through to behavioural or process addictions.

Certificate Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
    OR
    Grade 12 equivalency certificate achieved through College academic upgrading
    OR
    Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in English
  • Prior post-secondary education in a related field is recommended
  • You must maintain an overall average of 60% or a GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate
  • A minimum of 25% of courses must be completed through Durham College.

Program Of Study

Students are required to print or save a copy of the Program of Study when beginning the program. This document contains critical details about program progression and graduation requirements specific to the academic year in which your program was started.

Click to access the Program of Study for the current academic year.

Students who began this program prior to the current academic year may contact the Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.

Please note that a number of courses in this program are typically offered once per year.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be equipped to:

  • Explain the pharmacokinetics and associated factors of substances included in the psychoactive drug categories
  • Describe the fundamental theories and premises associated with approaches to explaining human development
  • Explain the signs, symptoms and neuroscience dimensions of substance use, dependency and addiction
  • Identify effective case management skills and techniques including ethical considerations, communication and record management
  • Explain the addiction spiral and the signs and stages of relapse
  • Explain addiction-related concepts using industry specific terminology
  • Identify techniques and strategies associated with the best approach to case management
  • Identify addiction issues in relation to specific target populations
  • Identify specific assessment, interview and counselling techniques
  • Explain models of client treatment, counselling and referral in terms of individuals and family-centred responses
  • Describe community services and networks in relation to treatment, wellness, referral, after care services and relapse prevention

Career Options

Potential career and industry options may include:

  • Addictions worker
  • Program or community support worker
  • Intake or outreach worker
  • Community-based or private addiction treatment centres
  • Group homes or shelters
  • Not-for-profit organizations

Related Credentials and Courses

Graduates interested in further professional development may be interested in the following courses/programs:

Social Service Worker Diploma

Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052

If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.

Currently offered

Course Title Location/
Delivery Method
ADMH 1381Addictions and Mental HealthOnline
ADDC 1580Foundations in Addictions: Signs and SymptomsOnline
PHAR 1582Pharmacology of AddictionsOnline
COUN 1582Theory and Practice of Counselling in AddictionsOnline
ADDC 1581Treatment Approaches in AddictionsOnline