Curricula

Objective

The aim of the course is advancing students’ understanding of the link between mental health, substance abuse and addiction problems as a biopsychosocial societal phenomenon and of how recovery can be supported in mental health, substance abuse and addiction work.

Competences:

Competence in social client work (Degree Programme in Social Services)
Social service system competences (Degree Programme in Social Services)
Critical and Inclusive Social Skills (Degree Programme in Social Services)

Rehabilitation service system competence (Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling)
Guidance work and guidance in rehabilitation (Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling)

Intended learning outcomes:

You are able to identify and assess risk factors for substance abuse and addictive behaviour as well as their link to mental health problems. You know work orientations and methods of preventive and rehabilitative mental health, substance abuse and addiction work for individual and community work. You are able to reflect critically on your attitudes towards substance abuse and know how to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse problems as well as different addictions. You are able to coordinate services as well as guide and support a rehabilitee in using appropriate services in a client-centric manner.

You know the key legislation and service system relevant to substance abuse and addiction work and their connection to mental health services. You understand the operating principles guiding mental health, substance abuse and addiction work. You understand the importance of service counselling as part of the client process and know how to act in the client's interest in multi-actor network cooperation.

You recognise structures and processes that produce inequalities, underprivilege and well-being and know the significance of structural factors for the status of clients in substance abuse and mental health services. You recognise the potential of structural social work in mental health, substance abuse and addiction work.

Content

The key content of the course comprises the links between mental health, substance abuse and addiction problems. Students explore the concepts of mental health, substance abuse and addiction work, the risk factors of substance abuse and addictive behaviour, the development of addiction, and the process and methods of overcoming an addiction. Students also familiarise themselves with the legislation on and services for substance abuse and addiction work and their connection with mental health services. Reflecting on their personal attitudes towards and perceptions of intoxicants, addiction and abuse is also in key role.

Qualifications

You are able to describe the concept of mental health and name factors that protect mental health or put it at risk, as well as the most common neuropsychiatric and mental health disorders. You know the key mental health and neuropsychiatric services and the legislation governing them. You recognise your personal attitudes associated with mental health.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You are able to name the concepts and methods of mental health, substance abuse and addiction work and identify their links. You identify risk factors for substance abuse and addictive behaviour as well as their link to mental health problems. You recognise the factors and phases related to the development of addiction and the process of overcoming it. You are able to describe the legislation and services relevant to substance abuse and addiction work and their connection to mental health work. You are able to describe your task and responsibilities as a specialist in the rehabilitation and social services sector in mental health, substance abuse and addiction work. You are able to describe and reflect on your attitudes towards intoxicants, substance abusers and their families as well as different addictions.