Fundamentals of Addictions (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 Centre for Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.
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
Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052
If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Centre for Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.
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