ASC5005 Addiction treatment approaches
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
ASC5005 Addiction treatment approaches is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Other periods
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ASC5005
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ASC5005
No unit lists ASC5005 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit offers you an advanced understanding of addiction treatment by exploring a range of evidence-based approaches to people with alcohol, drug or gambling problems. Building on the screening, assessment and client engagement skills in the foundation unit, you are now introduced to the principles and foundations of commonly-applied and evidence-based psychological interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) and peer-based support. You will learn about the pharmacological treatments, pharmacotherapy programs (e.g., medically-assisted treatment for opioid dependence and anti-craving medications) and become familiar with safe alcohol and drug withdrawal management.
You will be introduced to new and emerging treatments and approaches (e.g., novel drugs, behavioural and cognitive interventions) and will develop skills in critically appraising research papers on the effectiveness of treatments. Finally, you will be able to adapt management plans according to individual needs including those of priority populations. The content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, forum discussions, practice exercises and journal clubs.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- Multimedia presentation (1,500 words)Presentation25%
- Case Study (1,500 words)Written25%
- Case study analysis and reflection (2,500 words)Written50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and evaluate the application of psychological treatment approaches and new and emerging approaches for clients with diverse backgrounds and different needs
- 2
Analyse the role of social and cultural determinants in providing care to people who are experiencing substance use disorder or addictions
- 3
Discuss the role and limitations of pharmacological treatments in addictions and in pharmacotherapy programs
- 4
Explain the principles and requirements for safe withdrawal management
- 5
Critically evaluate evidence-based approaches and theoretical frameworks in relation to treatment of substance use disorders or addictions
Workload and teaching
- Workshops2 hours
This 6 credit point unit will be delivered online over 6 weeks (intensive mode).
The workload requirement is 12 hours per week. This includes 6 hours of teacher-directed learning (e.g., assigned readings, pre-recorded lectures, and other interactive activities to support discovery, exploration, application, and reflection on learning) with approximately 4 hours of teacher-engagement (e.g., facilitated tutorials, workshops, discussion forums, etc.).
You are also expected to engage in your own self-directed study (e.g., further reading, reflection, skills development, and assessment tasks).
There are no on-campus requirements for this unit.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Shirley Gill
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Kirsten Schliephake
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASC5005?
ASC5005 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ASC5005 offered?
ASC5005 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
Does ASC5005 have an exam?
No. ASC5005 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.