Addictions I: Bio-Psycho-Social Theories Of Addiction Treatment

This course will examine current Bio-Psycho-Social approaches to addiction treatment used in most community and clinical settings in Southern Ontario. The course will focus on a range of topics, including the role of harm reduction-based approaches, the utility of community-based 12-step groups, the use of mutual aid groups in addiction treatment as well as the role of neurobiological factors and mental health symptoms in addictive behaviours. The course will also introduce students to Cognitive-Behavioural-based approaches to addiction treatment as well as the role of Motivational Interviewing when engaging in addiction counselling in community or clinical settings.