Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Treatment of current issues in mental health and addictions from a population and public health perspective. Students will examine several topics from theoretical, methodological and policy perspectives.

COURSE DETAILS:

Substance use disorders and related harms continue to be a public health problem in Canada and globally. Although the etiology of substance use disorders continues to be debated, a biopsychosocial approach has been proposed and is inclusive of several perspectives and theories of addiction. In this class, after first reviewing basic terminology, diagnostic criteria, the epidemiology of substance use in Canada, and major theories of addiction, a biopsychosocial approach to substance use disorders will be examined within a recovery-oriented system of care framework. Other related topics will include the history of drug policy in Canada; alternative policy models to the criminalization of substance use; harm reduction strategies and interventions; Indigenous perspectives on substance use and harm reduction; contributing factors and potential solutions to the North American opioid poisoning crisis; recovery-oriented treatment interventions; and the prevention of substance use disorders. Students will have opportunities to critically evaluate local and national substance use policies and services. Although relevant approaches in international jurisdictions will be explored, there will be a major emphasis on BC and Canada as a whole.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define key course terms and concepts (e.g., substance use disorder, recovery, harm reduction, and biopsychosocial)
• Explain person-first language and how specific terms used to refer to substance use and people who use substances may be stigmatizing
• Identify criteria used to diagnose substance use disorders according to major diagnostic classification systems
• Describe substance use patterns in Canada, including recovery-related epidemiological findings
• Describe major drug policy reforms throughout Canada’s history
• Critically evaluate major theories of addiction and their evidence base
• Describe a recovery-oriented system of care
• Demonstrate an understanding of alternative policies to the criminalization of substance use
• Explain evidence-based, recovery-oriented substance use treatments and harm reduction interventions
• Identify determinants of the opioid poisoning crisis and potential solutions
• Articulate substance use disorder prevention strategies
• Critically evaluate current programs and policies in BC and Canada addressing substance use disorders, and make recommendations to improve them by applying course concepts and empirical evidence

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: