PHARM 3012 - Assessment and Treatment of Addiction

This course will help you understand pathways from dependence to recovery and how we match the treatment to the patient's goals. First we will look at how we can identify risky use and intervene early. An extensive range of treatments is available to support people with moderate to severe dependence, depending on their goals. Some treatments will address physical dependence, while others focus on psychological factors and reintegration into the community. We will review the range of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments that can be used to support people to manage withdrawal and prevent relapse. Evidence-base of treatments, policy options and public health approaches will be reviewed. Population groups with special needs, and the rationale for addressing those special needs, will be discussed. The treatment of comorbidities, particularly mental health and substance use disorders, is an important example of special needs that will be addressed in some detail. Hurdles to access treatment will be reviewed as well as, the place of systematic reviews and guidelines in promoting the translation of evidence into practice.